Small Group sign-ups close October 25th. Don't miss your opportunity to connect with other believers in your local church this Fall. In just a couple of months, Seven SD Church will celebrate it's two year anniversary. Here's a snapshot of what has happened so far. Enjoy!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Questions I've Wanted to Ask God (New Teaching Series)
Next week we will start answering your questions to God. Do you have one? If so, post it right here; right now!
Make sure to visit the Seven San Diego Church website beginning July 12th to see if we answered your question. Messages will be available for download.
Make sure to visit the Seven San Diego Church website beginning July 12th to see if we answered your question. Messages will be available for download.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Summer Youth Olympics Are Back!
Hey Parents! Register your children for our FREE Summer Youth Olympics. Read over the registration information below, print the form, and bring it with you the day of the event. It's that simple!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I Do! (New Teaching Series)
For better, for worse…to have and to hold, from this day forward… Wedding vows are more than a declaration of love—they hold the keys for a strong, lasting marriage. Whether you hope to get married someday, or you’ve already tied the knot, discover what these words can mean for the future of your relationship. Join us as we dive into the depths behind the words, "I Do!" Message titles for each date are as follows:
I Do!: Avoiding a Lame Marriage
pt. 1, June 07 .....Secrets of a Satisfying Marriage
pt. 2, June 14 .....Marriage “Do Over”
Special Event: June 17....Fireproof Movie Night
pt. 3, June 21 .....God’s Model For Manhood in Marriage (Dude Sunday: Father's Day)
pt. 4, June 28 .....How to Keep Your Marriage Growing
Please stop by and visit us. We meet every Sunday at 10 AM at Olympian High School, located off of 1925 Magdalena Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91913.
I Do!: Avoiding a Lame Marriage
pt. 1, June 07 .....Secrets of a Satisfying Marriage
pt. 2, June 14 .....Marriage “Do Over”
Special Event: June 17....Fireproof Movie Night
pt. 3, June 21 .....God’s Model For Manhood in Marriage (Dude Sunday: Father's Day)
pt. 4, June 28 .....How to Keep Your Marriage Growing
Please stop by and visit us. We meet every Sunday at 10 AM at Olympian High School, located off of 1925 Magdalena Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91913.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Your Life Mission ID'd: Guest Blog by Ray Benton
Seven San Diego Church is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for the errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the congregation or staff.
Jesus Christ communicated your mission in life when he said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). The “gospel” or good news according to I Corinthians 15:1-4 is that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day…”
Did you know that it is mankind’s “sin” that separates us from a holy God? Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as through one man (Adam) sin entered the world, and death through sin, and this death spread to all men, because all sinned.”
So what was to be of "sin"? Well, a penalty had to be paid. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (I Corinthians 5:21). “But now Christ is risen from the dead…” (I Corinthians 15:20).
So what is to be said of a resurrected Christ? Well, we are to share what He did for us. If my mission is to share the “good news” with those in my world, and dare to reach beyond my world, and care about the whole world, how can I fulfill that responsibility? Doing the following will go a long way toward us fulfilling this mission:
First, we can PRAY. Jesus said, “…therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2). The key to the impact of the early church in the book of Acts was that they were a praying church (Acts 1:14, 1:24, 3:1, 4:24-31, 6:4). As they prayed, their mission became focused and literally thousands responded to the “good news” and became a part of the family of God. As we pray, God will identify someone in our “oikos” who needs the “good news.” As we pray, we can ask God to empower those who have gone cross culturally to share the “good news.” Prayer will bring a focus to your mission.
Secondly, we can GIVE. The mission Christ entrusted to us involves me reaching beyond my world and caring about the whole world. In our society many are taking this aspect of their mission seriously and find themselves going on short term trips with a focus to take the “gospel” cross culturally. One of the ways we can all participate in this aspect of our mission is to give financially to organizations and individuals whom God has called specifically to take the “gospel” to a foreign land. Giving financially funds your mission.
Finally, we can GO. Whether it is going across the street to talk with our neighbor, across the miles to fulfill a short term trip or across the ocean to fulfill a lifetime calling to take the “gospel” cross culturally, all of us can participate by going. Going puts feet to your mission.
Take time today to increase your efforts to PRAY, your ability to GIVE and your desire to GO seek to fulfill the mission Christ has given you!
Jesus Christ communicated your mission in life when he said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). The “gospel” or good news according to I Corinthians 15:1-4 is that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day…”
Did you know that it is mankind’s “sin” that separates us from a holy God? Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as through one man (Adam) sin entered the world, and death through sin, and this death spread to all men, because all sinned.”
So what was to be of "sin"? Well, a penalty had to be paid. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (I Corinthians 5:21). “But now Christ is risen from the dead…” (I Corinthians 15:20).
So what is to be said of a resurrected Christ? Well, we are to share what He did for us. If my mission is to share the “good news” with those in my world, and dare to reach beyond my world, and care about the whole world, how can I fulfill that responsibility? Doing the following will go a long way toward us fulfilling this mission:
First, we can PRAY. Jesus said, “…therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2). The key to the impact of the early church in the book of Acts was that they were a praying church (Acts 1:14, 1:24, 3:1, 4:24-31, 6:4). As they prayed, their mission became focused and literally thousands responded to the “good news” and became a part of the family of God. As we pray, God will identify someone in our “oikos” who needs the “good news.” As we pray, we can ask God to empower those who have gone cross culturally to share the “good news.” Prayer will bring a focus to your mission.
Secondly, we can GIVE. The mission Christ entrusted to us involves me reaching beyond my world and caring about the whole world. In our society many are taking this aspect of their mission seriously and find themselves going on short term trips with a focus to take the “gospel” cross culturally. One of the ways we can all participate in this aspect of our mission is to give financially to organizations and individuals whom God has called specifically to take the “gospel” to a foreign land. Giving financially funds your mission.
Finally, we can GO. Whether it is going across the street to talk with our neighbor, across the miles to fulfill a short term trip or across the ocean to fulfill a lifetime calling to take the “gospel” cross culturally, all of us can participate by going. Going puts feet to your mission.
Take time today to increase your efforts to PRAY, your ability to GIVE and your desire to GO seek to fulfill the mission Christ has given you!
Friday, May 22, 2009
How to Become Like Christ II: Guest Blog by James Burdette
Seven San Diego Church is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for the errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the congregation or staff.
How do I become like Christ? This question asked from a sincere heart is the most dangerous question a believer can ask. It is dangerous because the answer threatens all that we love other than God. One can study the gospels in the New Testament and try to piece together a picture of who Christ was and what he did and then do our best to mimic those actions. But my guess is that one would end up frustrated and unsuccessful. That is because becoming like Christ isn't primarily concerned with doing what he did, although someone who has become like Christ may do many of the things he did, I believe that becoming like Christ is primarily about loving who He loved.
When asked what the first commandement was by a scribe (a community religious leader) Christ replied, "'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one; you shall love the lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Mark 12:29-31).
I believe that to become like Christ you must first love God with all of your emotions, thoughts, and ability. To love God like this is the greatest thing anyone of us can do with our very brief lives. Can you imagine a life spent loving God with every action, thought, word and motive? That is what Christ did. His ministry on this earth and his execution outside of Jerusalem were fueled by a deep love for his Father and his people.
Which brings us to the next observation; when we love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we will naturally love others as we should. When we love God, we learn more about him and as a result love the people and the things which he loves. To become like Christ we must love God. How can we love God? Seek him in his word and in prayer. Hebrews 11:6 assures us that when we earnestly seek God he rewards us. Let's step forward towards becoming like Christ together and love God with all of our ability!
How do I become like Christ? This question asked from a sincere heart is the most dangerous question a believer can ask. It is dangerous because the answer threatens all that we love other than God. One can study the gospels in the New Testament and try to piece together a picture of who Christ was and what he did and then do our best to mimic those actions. But my guess is that one would end up frustrated and unsuccessful. That is because becoming like Christ isn't primarily concerned with doing what he did, although someone who has become like Christ may do many of the things he did, I believe that becoming like Christ is primarily about loving who He loved.
When asked what the first commandement was by a scribe (a community religious leader) Christ replied, "'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one; you shall love the lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Mark 12:29-31).
I believe that to become like Christ you must first love God with all of your emotions, thoughts, and ability. To love God like this is the greatest thing anyone of us can do with our very brief lives. Can you imagine a life spent loving God with every action, thought, word and motive? That is what Christ did. His ministry on this earth and his execution outside of Jerusalem were fueled by a deep love for his Father and his people.
Which brings us to the next observation; when we love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we will naturally love others as we should. When we love God, we learn more about him and as a result love the people and the things which he loves. To become like Christ we must love God. How can we love God? Seek him in his word and in prayer. Hebrews 11:6 assures us that when we earnestly seek God he rewards us. Let's step forward towards becoming like Christ together and love God with all of our ability!
Monday, May 18, 2009
How to Become Like Christ: Guest Blog by Wes Van Fleet
Seven San Diego Church is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for the errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the congregation or staff.
When Jesus came among us, He had one purpose: to fulfill His mission of becoming the perfect sacrifice on the cross by taking our place as sinners. We, in fact, could not accomplish this ourselves. God’s wrath on Jesus was a full payment for our sin. It was a holy wrath that pleased God- because it paid for you!! Christ’s payment on the cross for our sins was sufficient.
So what does this mean for us? Well, it means that when we trust in Christ alone for the payment of our sin and receive eternal life, we should be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). This should be our “I.D.”. But the bigger question is how? How do we become or "conform" to the image of Christ?
When explaining to His disciples what true followers of Christ should look like, Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25).
Jesus expected His disciples of yesterday to give up their lives to Him. And in the same way, He expects His disciples of today to do the same. We are not supposed to fit Jesus into our life only when comfortable or profitable. We are to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). We are to take up our cross at school, at work, and to the local Starbucks. No matter how uncomfortable the situation, we are to carry our cross. Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to love the Lord your God with all you are, and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:37-40). If we love Jesus with all we are, it will be natural to love those around us. If we love those around us, it will be natural to share the gospel with them and explain to them the free gift of life that was so graciously given to us. When doing these things, you shall become more like Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come".
Meditate on this verse this week. And watch how you will become more like Christ.
When Jesus came among us, He had one purpose: to fulfill His mission of becoming the perfect sacrifice on the cross by taking our place as sinners. We, in fact, could not accomplish this ourselves. God’s wrath on Jesus was a full payment for our sin. It was a holy wrath that pleased God- because it paid for you!! Christ’s payment on the cross for our sins was sufficient.
So what does this mean for us? Well, it means that when we trust in Christ alone for the payment of our sin and receive eternal life, we should be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). This should be our “I.D.”. But the bigger question is how? How do we become or "conform" to the image of Christ?
When explaining to His disciples what true followers of Christ should look like, Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25).
Jesus expected His disciples of yesterday to give up their lives to Him. And in the same way, He expects His disciples of today to do the same. We are not supposed to fit Jesus into our life only when comfortable or profitable. We are to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). We are to take up our cross at school, at work, and to the local Starbucks. No matter how uncomfortable the situation, we are to carry our cross. Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to love the Lord your God with all you are, and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:37-40). If we love Jesus with all we are, it will be natural to love those around us. If we love those around us, it will be natural to share the gospel with them and explain to them the free gift of life that was so graciously given to us. When doing these things, you shall become more like Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come".
Meditate on this verse this week. And watch how you will become more like Christ.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Climbing the Mountain: Guest Blog by Denisse Cherry
Seven San Diego Church is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for the errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the congregation or staff.
Since the beginning of time, God's desire was to have a family. In fact, he expressed it when he created Adam and Eve. The book of Genesis also declares that "it was not good for man to be alone" (2:18). These opening passages should remind us that we were created to be communing with God and other people. But many of us have chosen NOT to be a part of God’s family for several different reasons; personality, past experiences, fear and so on.
Imagine this... You are getting ready to climb the highest mountain on Earth. You do not have a map, a plan or a partner. You know you must climb it, but you have no idea where to begin. And so you start your journey. On you way up, you fall, break your bones, cut yourself and even slip back all the way to square one. You are proud and you will not give up so you try again, not realizing that on top of having to climb the mountain you may have to deal with the weather. So now you are either freezing or overheating...
After so many tries and failed attempts you begin to get discouraged and your spirit begins to break. Though your spirit might be broken you still get up again and give it another shot. When you finally get to the top, you realize that you are there alone, with permanent damage caused to your body and your spirit. Many of us have been there…including me.
Ask yourself this, "Did I have to endure all that pain alone? And how much less pain would I have gone through if I had someone pulling me along, encouraging me, praying for me, and sometimes even preparing me for my journey? God gives us the experiences in our lives to be able to help each other along the way (Galatians 6:2). God uses every experience for his glory. I can personally account for that. Did you know that one of the worst forms of punishment for a criminal is solitary confinement? Why do you think that is? BEACAUSE WE ARE NOT MEANT TO BE ALONE!
Being a part of God’s family is one of God’s purposes for your life. That was his plan for you before you were born. The entire bible is a story of God building a family who will love him, honor him and reign with him forever. So, how do we accomplish that? The invitation to be a part of God’s family is universal, but there is one condition: faith in Jesus. Jesus helps us learn how to help each other, love each other, and be there for each other (John 13:34, Rom 12:10, Eph 4:2). We are born again into God’s family through faith. Once we become part of God’s family we are blessed to inherit everything that our Father has to offer.
I know what is like to internalize everything. I know what it is like to be proud and put up a front as if everything is okay. But I, like many other people, have gone through a lot of pain and unnecessary heartache. Don’t get me wrong, I have learned a lot about myself through those experiences and God has taught me a lot about the kind of person he wants me to be. But now that I have decided to be a part of God’s family, that mountain looks like a small hill. So if you are facing a mountain or a small hill, know that there are people out there that want to climb with you, help you along and pray with you. God strategically placed people in you life to help you grow, to help you conquer and reach the top so that TOGETHER we can bring him glory.
Since the beginning of time, God's desire was to have a family. In fact, he expressed it when he created Adam and Eve. The book of Genesis also declares that "it was not good for man to be alone" (2:18). These opening passages should remind us that we were created to be communing with God and other people. But many of us have chosen NOT to be a part of God’s family for several different reasons; personality, past experiences, fear and so on.
Imagine this... You are getting ready to climb the highest mountain on Earth. You do not have a map, a plan or a partner. You know you must climb it, but you have no idea where to begin. And so you start your journey. On you way up, you fall, break your bones, cut yourself and even slip back all the way to square one. You are proud and you will not give up so you try again, not realizing that on top of having to climb the mountain you may have to deal with the weather. So now you are either freezing or overheating...
After so many tries and failed attempts you begin to get discouraged and your spirit begins to break. Though your spirit might be broken you still get up again and give it another shot. When you finally get to the top, you realize that you are there alone, with permanent damage caused to your body and your spirit. Many of us have been there…including me.
Ask yourself this, "Did I have to endure all that pain alone? And how much less pain would I have gone through if I had someone pulling me along, encouraging me, praying for me, and sometimes even preparing me for my journey? God gives us the experiences in our lives to be able to help each other along the way (Galatians 6:2). God uses every experience for his glory. I can personally account for that. Did you know that one of the worst forms of punishment for a criminal is solitary confinement? Why do you think that is? BEACAUSE WE ARE NOT MEANT TO BE ALONE!
Being a part of God’s family is one of God’s purposes for your life. That was his plan for you before you were born. The entire bible is a story of God building a family who will love him, honor him and reign with him forever. So, how do we accomplish that? The invitation to be a part of God’s family is universal, but there is one condition: faith in Jesus. Jesus helps us learn how to help each other, love each other, and be there for each other (John 13:34, Rom 12:10, Eph 4:2). We are born again into God’s family through faith. Once we become part of God’s family we are blessed to inherit everything that our Father has to offer.
I know what is like to internalize everything. I know what it is like to be proud and put up a front as if everything is okay. But I, like many other people, have gone through a lot of pain and unnecessary heartache. Don’t get me wrong, I have learned a lot about myself through those experiences and God has taught me a lot about the kind of person he wants me to be. But now that I have decided to be a part of God’s family, that mountain looks like a small hill. So if you are facing a mountain or a small hill, know that there are people out there that want to climb with you, help you along and pray with you. God strategically placed people in you life to help you grow, to help you conquer and reach the top so that TOGETHER we can bring him glory.
Friday, May 1, 2009
A Race Worth Running: Guest Blog by Jules Sneddon
Seven San Diego Church is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for the errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the congregation or staff.
What is the purpose of mankind's existence? To put it simply, we were created to bring God pleasure (Revelation 4:11b KJV). And is it possible to please God without faith? (Hebrews 11:6a NIV). No, it is not possible. In fact, faith and understanding are fundamental to fulfilling our true purpose in life. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1 that, "...faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". The writer adds on that, "Because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6b NIV). So in other words, God not only wants us to believe in Him in the same way a demon would (James 2:19 NIV), but he wants us to believe in His Word, love, and countless promises.
When we believe that God will fulfill His promises even when we don’t see those promises materializing, we demonstrate true faith (John 20:29 NIV). This is what the ancients were honored for-– those few listed as heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. Much like a runner, those heroes had crossed the finish line at the end of a very long race. And yet those heroes who lived by faith never received everything that they had hoped for on Earth; they only saw it and accepted it from a distance (Hebrews 11:13 NIV).
But why? Because God had planned something better for [them] so that only together with [them] would they be made perfect (Hebrews 11:40 NIV). Just as we need them, for they are our roots, so they need us, for we are their fruit. It is one tree, one story, one awesome chronicle of salvation and we get to be a part of it! God has included a plaque for our names in His hall of faith “so that only together with [them]” would all those listed in Hebrews 11 find their hope complete. Through our faith in Christ, we are intimately connected with them. Their faith and our faith make us co-believers.
Picture a sports arena with a great race track. A marathon race is in progress. The heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11 have already run their race and they are now seated in the stands cheering you on as you begin to run the lap set out for you (Hebrews 12:1 NIV). We are finishing the race they began thousands of years ago. The baton that has been passed to you is the same baton they ran with. It is not just you crossing the finishing line. They are “with you” as you run. It is together that we win the race!
Jesus is there too, but He is running right beside you. He is there to encourage you and to help you to run the race set before you. He tells you to fix your eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:2a NIV), for He is the one who built this great race track. He has already run this race and won. He has already received His victor’s crown. He is right beside you every step of the way. He is encouraging you to keep your eyes on Him because if you will have faith in Him, he will show you the way to victory!
What is the purpose of mankind's existence? To put it simply, we were created to bring God pleasure (Revelation 4:11b KJV). And is it possible to please God without faith? (Hebrews 11:6a NIV). No, it is not possible. In fact, faith and understanding are fundamental to fulfilling our true purpose in life. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1 that, "...faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". The writer adds on that, "Because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6b NIV). So in other words, God not only wants us to believe in Him in the same way a demon would (James 2:19 NIV), but he wants us to believe in His Word, love, and countless promises.
When we believe that God will fulfill His promises even when we don’t see those promises materializing, we demonstrate true faith (John 20:29 NIV). This is what the ancients were honored for-– those few listed as heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. Much like a runner, those heroes had crossed the finish line at the end of a very long race. And yet those heroes who lived by faith never received everything that they had hoped for on Earth; they only saw it and accepted it from a distance (Hebrews 11:13 NIV).
But why? Because God had planned something better for [them] so that only together with [them] would they be made perfect (Hebrews 11:40 NIV). Just as we need them, for they are our roots, so they need us, for we are their fruit. It is one tree, one story, one awesome chronicle of salvation and we get to be a part of it! God has included a plaque for our names in His hall of faith “so that only together with [them]” would all those listed in Hebrews 11 find their hope complete. Through our faith in Christ, we are intimately connected with them. Their faith and our faith make us co-believers.
Picture a sports arena with a great race track. A marathon race is in progress. The heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11 have already run their race and they are now seated in the stands cheering you on as you begin to run the lap set out for you (Hebrews 12:1 NIV). We are finishing the race they began thousands of years ago. The baton that has been passed to you is the same baton they ran with. It is not just you crossing the finishing line. They are “with you” as you run. It is together that we win the race!
Jesus is there too, but He is running right beside you. He is there to encourage you and to help you to run the race set before you. He tells you to fix your eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:2a NIV), for He is the one who built this great race track. He has already run this race and won. He has already received His victor’s crown. He is right beside you every step of the way. He is encouraging you to keep your eyes on Him because if you will have faith in Him, he will show you the way to victory!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Our Purpose Today: Guest Blog by Jeff Block
Seven San Diego Church is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for the errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the congregation or staff.
I've been reading Paul's letters in the Bible lately and have found the first chapter of Ephesians to be one of the most intense chapters he's ever written. I still can't get over this chapter; I've read it over and over and over again. I try to figure it out. I try to figure out what Paul is saying. And so after wrestling with it, I can only come to one conclusion: it's about PURPOSE.
There are many definitions of "purpose." Most people try to find their "purpose" in life. Ask your coworkers what their purpose is in life and you'll be surprised to hear all types of answers. I'm sure. But we are not most people. We are not the same. We have a true purpose.
The dictionary definition is: "the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists." I believe, using that definition, that Paul answers our reason for existing in the first chapter of Ephesians. As we dig into the text, we should desire to discover or rediscover our daily purpose. That is our goal, is it not; to be daily renewed, daily engaged "in Christ"?
There are a few things we should pull out of this chapter. The first, is to see what God's purpose is, or will is... Verse 5 and 6 says, "he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." Paul used the words purpose and will together, but why? What does "to the praise of his glorious grace" mean?
In verse 12 and 14, Paul adds, "so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory... the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." Do we realize that we are to be that? We are to be the PRAISE OF HIS GLORY. I'm quite humbled thinking about that. I'm severely convicted at the thought of that. But with that conviction comes one thing--HOPE. We have to hold onto hope, which is Christ Jesus.
What is our purpose today? Let's refresh our memories. Let us be one thing--the PRAISE OF HIS GLORY. But how? You ask. You can start by knowing your hope, remembering your purpose, and by allowing God to manifest himself in your life. You can spend all your energy, all your capable power in bringing Christ to life in your "mortal flesh." And as I'm writing these words, I am thinking of my own day, it's not easy; it never is. Our hope, our PURPOSE, our Life is all because of Jesus Christ...
It's time to manifest him today.
I've been reading Paul's letters in the Bible lately and have found the first chapter of Ephesians to be one of the most intense chapters he's ever written. I still can't get over this chapter; I've read it over and over and over again. I try to figure it out. I try to figure out what Paul is saying. And so after wrestling with it, I can only come to one conclusion: it's about PURPOSE.
There are many definitions of "purpose." Most people try to find their "purpose" in life. Ask your coworkers what their purpose is in life and you'll be surprised to hear all types of answers. I'm sure. But we are not most people. We are not the same. We have a true purpose.
The dictionary definition is: "the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists." I believe, using that definition, that Paul answers our reason for existing in the first chapter of Ephesians. As we dig into the text, we should desire to discover or rediscover our daily purpose. That is our goal, is it not; to be daily renewed, daily engaged "in Christ"?
There are a few things we should pull out of this chapter. The first, is to see what God's purpose is, or will is... Verse 5 and 6 says, "he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." Paul used the words purpose and will together, but why? What does "to the praise of his glorious grace" mean?
In verse 12 and 14, Paul adds, "so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory... the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." Do we realize that we are to be that? We are to be the PRAISE OF HIS GLORY. I'm quite humbled thinking about that. I'm severely convicted at the thought of that. But with that conviction comes one thing--HOPE. We have to hold onto hope, which is Christ Jesus.
What is our purpose today? Let's refresh our memories. Let us be one thing--the PRAISE OF HIS GLORY. But how? You ask. You can start by knowing your hope, remembering your purpose, and by allowing God to manifest himself in your life. You can spend all your energy, all your capable power in bringing Christ to life in your "mortal flesh." And as I'm writing these words, I am thinking of my own day, it's not easy; it never is. Our hope, our PURPOSE, our Life is all because of Jesus Christ...
It's time to manifest him today.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hookers & Robbers: Guest Blog by Aurora Mckeehan
Seven San Diego Church is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for the errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the congregation or staff.
We often find ourselves questioning our very own existence. We ask ourselves questions like, “What on earth am I here for? Who am I? What am I made to do? Who was I made to be?” Are you guilty of grunting any of those questions on your way to work, school, etc? If so, you’re not the only one.
When it comes to trials, we all face them. Some problems are astronomical, while others are not. Some problems are unclear, yet others have answers that give us more reason to follow an all-knowing God. To some, these problems just don’t make sense. They're “illogical”. The truth is, we serve an All-Mighty God; a God who knows in each and every one of our hearts. He knows WHO we are, WHAT we are and WHO we will become. He meets you wherever you are, no matter what state, no matter what life style, and regardless of the challenges you are facing. He meets you in the deepest of lows and the darkest of places. He is a God who loves us too much to leave us that way.
You are not alone in your sin. Whether it is an addiction, depression, rage, low self-esteem, etc. Jesus has a real plan to grow, move and change you. So often we get caught up in what this world has to give us; more clothes, fancy dinners or a new car. But all of the riches in the world will leave a man feeling empty. Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:25-27).
So if you are a hooker, a robber, a drug dealer, an addict or an everyday sinner like the rest of us, you can still be something greater. You can still pull away from the life you are leading right now and turn to something bigger than what this world has to offer. You are worth so much more than you will ever know. But in order to understand your greater purpose, you'll need to find your confidence and strength in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We often find ourselves questioning our very own existence. We ask ourselves questions like, “What on earth am I here for? Who am I? What am I made to do? Who was I made to be?” Are you guilty of grunting any of those questions on your way to work, school, etc? If so, you’re not the only one.
When it comes to trials, we all face them. Some problems are astronomical, while others are not. Some problems are unclear, yet others have answers that give us more reason to follow an all-knowing God. To some, these problems just don’t make sense. They're “illogical”. The truth is, we serve an All-Mighty God; a God who knows in each and every one of our hearts. He knows WHO we are, WHAT we are and WHO we will become. He meets you wherever you are, no matter what state, no matter what life style, and regardless of the challenges you are facing. He meets you in the deepest of lows and the darkest of places. He is a God who loves us too much to leave us that way.
You are not alone in your sin. Whether it is an addiction, depression, rage, low self-esteem, etc. Jesus has a real plan to grow, move and change you. So often we get caught up in what this world has to give us; more clothes, fancy dinners or a new car. But all of the riches in the world will leave a man feeling empty. Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:25-27).
So if you are a hooker, a robber, a drug dealer, an addict or an everyday sinner like the rest of us, you can still be something greater. You can still pull away from the life you are leading right now and turn to something bigger than what this world has to offer. You are worth so much more than you will ever know. But in order to understand your greater purpose, you'll need to find your confidence and strength in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
What I Hope They Won't Say At My Funeral, Pt. 2: Guest Blog by Roberto Comparan
Seven San Diego Church is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for the errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the congregation or staff.
Imagine your funeral. Do you picture a sea of mourning faces? Do you picture a group of musicians chanting songs? Do you imagine a priest or pastor speaking words of comfort? While all of those scenarios are likely to be seen or heard at your funeral, have you ever considered what someone might say on your behalf?
The Bible is clear in reminding us that we should be spending more time at funerals than festivals. "For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time" (Ecclesiastes 7:2).
Would your eulogy be packed with praise regarding your great party life? Would people shout to the rooftops regarding your excellent career choices? Would they express great admiration for your academic accolades? Although there is nothing wrong in pursuit of hosting a good party, having great work ethic, or doing well in school, it is important that we always keep the main thing, the main thing. Christ should be at the center of our influence.
Concerning human understanding, King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7: 15-18, "In this meaningless life, I have seen everything, including the fact that some good people die young and some wicked people live on and on. So don't be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? On the other hand, don't be too wicked either--don't be a fool! Why should you die before your time? So try to walk a middle course--but those who fear God will succeed either way."
In this passage we find King Solomon pressing our faces into the depths of where we should find meaning to our existence. In his reflections and confessions, Solomon points us back to the God of the Universe. After testing science, philosophy, materialism, and even political power for meaning, he points us back to the God who breathes meaning into our lives. He reminds us that finding purpose in ourselves, rules, or causing people pain only brings pleasure, and not success. In other words he says, "Live a balanced life. Don't be stupid. And seek something bigger and more powerful than yourself--God."
When I die, I hope that people would simply say two things about me at my funeral. I would hope that they would say that my life was 1) in pursuit of loving God and 2) loving other people. Day in and day out, we should reorient our entire lives to making those two things our most important pursuits. In this way, God will help you bring meaning to the meaningless.
Imagine your funeral. Do you picture a sea of mourning faces? Do you picture a group of musicians chanting songs? Do you imagine a priest or pastor speaking words of comfort? While all of those scenarios are likely to be seen or heard at your funeral, have you ever considered what someone might say on your behalf?
The Bible is clear in reminding us that we should be spending more time at funerals than festivals. "For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time" (Ecclesiastes 7:2).
Would your eulogy be packed with praise regarding your great party life? Would people shout to the rooftops regarding your excellent career choices? Would they express great admiration for your academic accolades? Although there is nothing wrong in pursuit of hosting a good party, having great work ethic, or doing well in school, it is important that we always keep the main thing, the main thing. Christ should be at the center of our influence.
Concerning human understanding, King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7: 15-18, "In this meaningless life, I have seen everything, including the fact that some good people die young and some wicked people live on and on. So don't be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? On the other hand, don't be too wicked either--don't be a fool! Why should you die before your time? So try to walk a middle course--but those who fear God will succeed either way."
In this passage we find King Solomon pressing our faces into the depths of where we should find meaning to our existence. In his reflections and confessions, Solomon points us back to the God of the Universe. After testing science, philosophy, materialism, and even political power for meaning, he points us back to the God who breathes meaning into our lives. He reminds us that finding purpose in ourselves, rules, or causing people pain only brings pleasure, and not success. In other words he says, "Live a balanced life. Don't be stupid. And seek something bigger and more powerful than yourself--God."
When I die, I hope that people would simply say two things about me at my funeral. I would hope that they would say that my life was 1) in pursuit of loving God and 2) loving other people. Day in and day out, we should reorient our entire lives to making those two things our most important pursuits. In this way, God will help you bring meaning to the meaningless.
Monday, April 20, 2009
I.D. (New Teaching Series)
I.D. is here! In this new six-part teaching series, we hope to help you discover your purpose in life. Did you know God equipped you with spiritual gifts? Did you know that there's a reason God has you right where you are right now? Did you forget you were a part of God's family? Let is help you identify your God given mission. Message titles for each date are as follows:
I.D.: Who Am I Supposed to Be?
pt. 1, Apr. 19 .....What on Earth Am I Here For?
pt. 2, Apr. 26 .....How Can I Please God?
pt. 3, May 03 .....You Were Made For God's Family
pt. 4, May 10 .....How to Become Like Christ
pt. 5, May 17 .....How to Get in S.H.A.P.E.
pt. 6, May 24 .....Your Life Mission-ID'd
Please stop by and visit us. We meet every Sunday at 10 AM at Olympian High School, located off of 1925 Magdalena Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91913.
I.D.: Who Am I Supposed to Be?
pt. 1, Apr. 19 .....What on Earth Am I Here For?
pt. 2, Apr. 26 .....How Can I Please God?
pt. 3, May 03 .....You Were Made For God's Family
pt. 4, May 10 .....How to Become Like Christ
pt. 5, May 17 .....How to Get in S.H.A.P.E.
pt. 6, May 24 .....Your Life Mission-ID'd
Please stop by and visit us. We meet every Sunday at 10 AM at Olympian High School, located off of 1925 Magdalena Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91913.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Holy Week & The Never-Ending Bailout
In case you didn't get to follow our Holy Week Action Steps each day this week via Facebook or Twitter, we have posted them here for review.
Monday: (Compassion) Pray for God to show you a need and then act on it.
Tuesday: (Celebrate) List 10 things you want to thank the Lord for.
Wednesday: (Evaluate) List 5 things you really value that are important in your life.
Thursday: (Connect Spiritually) Spend more time uninterrupted with God. Don't forget to pray for your non-believing friends.
Friday: (Reconcile) Call or write someone you need to forgive or need forgiveness from.
This Easter, make sure to visit a church near you. Our message this week is titled, The Never-Ending Bailout. Join us for worship and celebration of the Cross this Sunday at 10 AM. We are currently meeting at Olympian High School located at 1925 Magdalena Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91913.
Monday: (Compassion) Pray for God to show you a need and then act on it.
Tuesday: (Celebrate) List 10 things you want to thank the Lord for.
Wednesday: (Evaluate) List 5 things you really value that are important in your life.
Thursday: (Connect Spiritually) Spend more time uninterrupted with God. Don't forget to pray for your non-believing friends.
Friday: (Reconcile) Call or write someone you need to forgive or need forgiveness from.
This Easter, make sure to visit a church near you. Our message this week is titled, The Never-Ending Bailout. Join us for worship and celebration of the Cross this Sunday at 10 AM. We are currently meeting at Olympian High School located at 1925 Magdalena Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91913.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Your Questions; Our Answers: The Best Sex-EVER
As promised, here are the answers to your SEX QUESTIONS from last Sunday's message "The Best Sex Ever" pt. 3, The 7-Day Sex Challenge.
Although we answered some of your text messages during the worship service on Sunday, March 15th, we still had several questions that could not be answered within the hour. And so, the ones we didn't get to are now answered here and posted on our blogs and website. We hope you find this helpful.
Q: If married, is flirting bad?
A: Not if you’re flirting with your spouse. Flirting with your spouse is highly encouraged. In fact, it is true that women are like crock pots, but men are like microwaves. So men…get the crock pot started early with lots of flirting.
All other flirting outside the marriage is inappropriate. If you are tempted to flirt with someone who is not your spouse you should pour that energy into your relationship with your spouse. Flirting is the first step toward adultery or great sex with your spouse. See Proverbs 4:25, Prov. 7, Matt. 5:28 (applies to husbands and wives)
Q: What should we single people do for the next 7 days? (referring to the 7 Day Sex Challenge I gave to married couples which was for married couples to have sex each day or as much as possible for seven days).
A: The same thing you should do for the 7 after that. No sex until marriage (for further study listen to pt.1 of Best Sex Ever). Also, be praying for God to bring the right one into your life and make sure you use the parameters I gave for single people in part three of “The Best Sex Ever” when I talked about how to Recognize a Potential Mate. Click here for the listen to the message http://www.sevensdchurch.com/sermon/pt-3-the-best-sex--ever/
Q: How much viagra is too much?
A: If you have an erection that lasts longer than four hours you should see your doctor.
Q: Is masturbation ok in marriage? What does the Bible say about it?
A: If agreed to by both husband and wife as part of the sexual “fun” and arousal in bed YES, it is ok. If it’s something apart from the husband and wife’s fun time in bed it could become lustful with thoughts of others (thus committing adultery according to Jesus) and extremely selfish. The Bible says nothing about masturbation, but plenty about looking out for the needs of your spouse before your own 1 Corinthians 7:3-4, Hebrews 13:4, 1Peter 3:7.
Q: Is porn ok inside of marriage?
A: It is not OK, it enters “others” into the marriage bed, is Orgie “esque” and leads to deeper darker sexual misconduct. Even if both husband and wife agree it still is sinful in the sight of God and degrading and demeaning to both husband and wife. It brings lust to a whole new level and is an extremely difficult habit to break. If you are struggling with this please visit xxxchurch.com
Usually it is the husband requesting this and the wife may begrudgingly go along with it at first. Often the husband will start to see his wife as less and less valuable and unable to compete with what he is seeing on the television or computer. He is falling into Satan’s trap and continuing to devalue his bride by comparing her to the women he is seeing in the porn. This is the beginning of the end of The Best Sex Ever between the husband and wife. Radical steps must be taken to cleanse themselves of this and move forward in their sexual relationship without porn. It’s a long road some have made it, many have not.
Q: Can or will God bless a gay marriage?
A: The short answer is no, because it goes against what God has already said about homosexuality. If you would like to listen to a message I gave recently about homosexuality and marriage please click the link http://www.sevensdchurch.com/sermon/txt-pt-4-what-does-the-txt-say-about-being-gay/
However, all people whether believers or not, homosexual or not, experience what is called “common grace” and experience God’s blessings of living on earth, experiencing sunshine, rain, good days and bad…that is common to all humanity and in that case…a blessing.
Q: What about 1 Corinthians 7:14 where the unbelieving husband will be sanctified through his wife and vise verse?
A: This is a very interesting situation. The context is that Paul is talking to married couples where one person has become a believer and the other has not. Understand, they are already married and one has decided to be a Christian, the other has not. This is not a situation of a believer deciding to marry and unbeliever. We know from Scripture that this is forbidden by God (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).
He says that the unbelieving husband or wife is “sanctified” through the believing spouse. The question had come up in the Corinthian church about believers being “contaminated” by their unbelieving husbands or wives. By contamination I mean their sin and unbelief.
Paul makes the distinction and says that the believing husband or wife is not being contaminated with the bad or sin of the unbelieving husband or wife but the unbelieving husband or wife is being “contaminated” by the good or holiness of the believing husband or wife. He says they are being sanctified through their marital bond because of their faith in Christ.
Something very mystical and real happens when the two become one. It is more than just skin on skin. That’s why God considers sexual sin more serious than other sins (1Cor. 6:18-20). It is a unification of both body and soul.
It does not mean the unbelieving spouse is admitted to heaven upon death without confessing Christ, but it does mean that the believing spouse does not need to worry about being affected spiritually through an unbelieving spouse, rather the unbelieving spouse is being affected spiritually through the believing spouse. Their “holiness” or “goodness” is being “caught” by the unbelieving spouse when “the two become one.”
Q: Do I have to do premarital counseling?
A: If you would like myself or one of the other pastors at Seven San Diego church to marry you the answer is YES. You will need to do pre-marital counseling. It usually lasts 4-6 weeks for an hour per session with homework and life skills lessons that will give you a head start in your marriage. Believe me, you don’t want to miss out on pre-marital. I once had a guy give me a hard time about pre-marital counseling saying, “I’ve been married three times, I don’t need this stuff!”
Whether you’ve been married before or not YOU NEED PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING.
Q: Is oral sex ok?
YES. Again, in the marriage bed, it is all good between the two of you.
Q: Where in the Bible does it say that premarital sex is a sin/wrong?
A: The Bible refers to premarital sex as “fornication” in some of the older translations of Scripture such as the King James Version (KJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB) etc. More modern translations preferred the words “Sexually Immoral” or “Adultery.”
Below is a list of the verses from both the Old and New Testament where the Bible says pre-marital sex is a sin/wrong using the words fornication, sexually immoral and adultery.
1Cor. 5:9 1Cor. 5:11 1Cor. 6:9 Heb. 12:16 Heb. 13:4 Rev. 21:8 Rev. 22:15
For Further Study
2Chronicles 21:11 Isaiah 23:17 Ezekiel 16:26 Ezekiel 16:29 Matt. 5:32 Matt. 19:9 John 8:41
Acts 15:20 Acts 15:29 Acts 21:25 Rom. 1:29 1Cor. 5:1 1Cor. 6:13 1Cor. 6:18
1Cor. 7:2 1Cor. 10:8 2Cor. 12:21 Gal. 5:19 Eph. 5:3 Col. 3:5 1Th. 4:3 Jude 7
Rev. 2:14 Rev. 2:20 Rev. 2:21 Rev. 9:21 Rev. 14:8 Rev. 17:2 Rev. 17:4 Rev. 18:3 Rev. 18:9 Rev. 19:2
Q: What are some examples of clear boundaries that help in relationships?
A: Clearly stated boundaries in relationships are key to healthy relationships. The problem is most people don’t take the time to communicate when concerning boundaries. Don’t wait for the other person to talk about boundaries, you take the responsibility.
The reality is you will be more respected and appreciated if you clearly state your boundaries. I’m not saying on the first words out of your mouth to your date are, “We’re not doing this, this, or this, nor are we going here, here, or there!” When the time is right discuss it, but don’t wait too long.
Let’s take dating as an example. When you do discuss boundaries here are some guidelines. Boundaries should be clear that you won’t be alone in the dark, late at night, when no one else is around. Why? Very simply…temptation. Boundaries will help you stay pure before God as you walk toward marriage.
Boundaries help you have a plan when you’re dating. You will either go by your plans or your glands. If you’re in the back seat and it’s getting hot and heavy…it’s too late…you’re going by your glands. If you’ve discussed boundaries and agreed you won’t ever get in the back seat, nor go to a dark, private place with no accountability, no friends, just the two of you, then your boundaries will help you stay pure.
Other boundaries include no “sleepovers” or “I’m just going to sleep on the floor.” Why? The Bible says to avoid the appearance of evil. You may have the best intentions but it sure looks like you’re sleeping with her or him. The only thing people know is that your car was there all night. They don’t know you slept on the floor. And, besides, the temptation that’s just down the hallway is too great a trap.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Best Sex--EVER! (Teaching Series) Returns on 03/15
We are currently interrupting our teaching series, "The Best Sex --EVER!," to bring you special teachings from Pastor Ray Benton. This week he continues his two-part message titled, "The Big Question of Life". Our sex series returns on March 15th.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Delicious (New Teaching Series)
"La vida dulce," the sweet life. It's something we all crave. Yet so often, we live with a gnawing hunger for the one ingredient that we think might be missing; an ingredient that we can almost taste but can't quite grasp.
In this new teaching series, we will discover just how to experience a fully delicious life. And we find that a life of full flavor and true satisfaction is something that God desires for us to have every day in every area of our life. Join us for "Delicious".
Please stop by and visit us. We are meeting at Wolf Canyon Elementary School every Sunday at 10 AM, located off of 1950 Wolf Canyon Loop, Chula Vista, CA 91913.
In this new teaching series, we will discover just how to experience a fully delicious life. And we find that a life of full flavor and true satisfaction is something that God desires for us to have every day in every area of our life. Join us for "Delicious".
Please stop by and visit us. We are meeting at Wolf Canyon Elementary School every Sunday at 10 AM, located off of 1950 Wolf Canyon Loop, Chula Vista, CA 91913.
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