God

A New Covenant: The TIE That Binds! (Sermon Audio)
by

A New Covenant: The TIE That Binds! (Sermon Audio)

~

This is the audio from the February 5, 2023 sermon, “A New Covenant: The TIE That Binds!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Galatians 3

“In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
1 Corinthians 11:25 (NIV)

Today continued a sermon series with a focus on being Made New In Christ. Being made new in Christ will change the way we act because it is defined by a new covenant.  Covenant does not seem to be a popular term these days and I suspect that part of the reason is they are considered to be more binding than we like.  However, when God makes the covenant with us, we should be eager to accept the . . .

  • Truth that binds.  2 Corinthians 3:1-6
    • The covenant that has been established between God and mankind through the blood of Jesus is a covenant of truth.  The authority of living within this covenant is not based on the approval of any person or their recommendation, but rather each person who enters into this covenant relationship with God carries the truth of it with them.  When we value God’s truth residing through His Spirit in each other, we find a tie that binds us together.
  • Intensity that binds.  2 Corinthians 3:7-11
    • The nature of this covenant established by God through His Son is one that is filled with an all-consuming glory and intensity.  This is not a half-hearted covenant that we can quote when convenient and ignore when inconvenient.  When God calls us to Himself to live in a covenant relationship, He does so as One who calls us to die to self and live in a new life that is completely devoted to Him.  When we see and value the intense nature of God dwelling in our brothers and sisters in Christ, we find a tie that binds us together.
  • Encouragement that binds.  2 Corinthians 3:12-18
    • The result of this covenant established by God with the power of the resurrection is an encouragement that should fill each person with hope.  Entering into a covenant relationship with a God that has set forth terms designed to give us freedom ought to change the way we speak to the people around us.  When compared to a covenant of law that exposed our guilt, this covenant of love is not only something that each of us should desire, it is something we ought to us to encourage one another.  When we live with the encouragement God offers to each of us in this new covenant, we find a tie that binds us together.

Today, how will you live with a TIE that binds?

Encouragement and Prayer: Attitude of Joy! (2/3/23)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: Attitude of Joy! (2/3/23)

~

This is the audio from the February 3, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living with a new attitude.  When we allow the Spirit of God to transform our mind, He gives us a new attitude.  However, that new attitude requires our diligent attention in order to keep it aligned with the attitude that was found in Christ Jesus.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the attitude you live with as you interact with Him and others.  Pray that you would keep your gaze fixed upon Jesus to learn an attitude of joy as you accomplish the good works God created for  you to do.  Pray that your attitude of joy would be ever-increasing as you follow the example of Christ.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Attitude of Love! (2/2/23)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: Attitude of Love! (2/2/23)

~

This is the audio from the February 2, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living with a new attitude.  When we allow the Spirit of God to transform our mind, He gives us a new attitude.  However, that new attitude requires our diligent attention in order to keep it aligned with the attitude that was found in Christ Jesus.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the attitude you live with as you interact with Him and others. Pray for a greater understanding of the commands of God, particularly in regard to how you love others.  Pray that God’s love for you would transform your attitude and increase your desire to love others.  Pray that your love for others would help them know God’s love.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Attitude of Service! (2/1/23)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: Attitude of Service! (2/1/23)

~

This is the audio from the February 1, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living with a new attitude.  When we allow the Spirit of God to transform our mind, He gives us a new attitude.  However, that new attitude requires our diligent attention in order to keep it aligned with the attitude that was found in Christ Jesus.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the attitude you live with as you interact with Him and others.  Pray that your heart would be inclined to serve others rather than seeking to be served.  Pray for an attitude that finds contentment in serving others according to their need.  Pray that your works of service would bring glory to God.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Attitude of Obedience! (1/31/23)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: Attitude of Obedience! (1/31/23)

~

This is the audio from the January 31, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living with a new attitude.  When we allow the Spirit of God to transform our mind, He gives us a new attitude.  However, that new attitude requires our diligent attention in order to keep it aligned with the attitude that was found in Christ Jesus.

“Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”
Hebrews 5:8-9 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the attitude you live with as you interact with Him and others. Pray that you would live a life of obedience, even in the midst of suffering.  Pray that your obedience to Christ would come from an attitude that seeks to live for Him and live like Him.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Attitude of Humility! (1/30/23)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: Attitude of Humility! (1/30/23)

~

This is the audio from the January 30, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living with a new attitude.  When we allow the Spirit of God to transform our mind, He gives us a new attitude.  However, that new attitude requires our diligent attention in order to keep it aligned with the attitude that was found in Christ Jesus.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the attitude you live with as you interact with Him and others.  Pray for a continual renewing of your mind that will result in the attitudes God would want you to have.  Pray for the courage and humility required to adjust your attitude when it strays from what it should be.  Pray that the people around you would be attracted to Jesus as they see His attitude displayed in your life.  Pray for a heart of understanding and compassion toward the people around you as they also grow in the attitude they ought to have.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Pray that you would learn from Jesus about placing your needs and desires below that of others.  Pray that you would grow in an attitude of humility as you learn from Jesus.  Pray for a gentleness of spirit that will bring you rest.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

A New MIND! (Sermon Audio)
by

A New MIND! (Sermon Audio)

~

This is the audio from the January 29, 2023 sermon, “A New MIND!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Ephesians 4:20 – 5:2

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2

Today continued a sermon series with a focus on being Made New In Christ. Being made new in Christ will change the way we act because it changes the very foundation of our thoughts through a transformation of our attitude.  To do that well, it is important to realize the in Christ we live with a new . . .

  • Motive.  Ephesians 4:20
    • Being made new in Christ will cause us to examine why we do what we do as we allow God to purify every motive that we have.
  • Instruction.  Ephesians 4:21-24
    • Being made new in Christ will lead us to make use of God’s Word as instruction for how we live.  The instruction of God’s Word is not simply for filling our minds with new information, but for transforming the way we think and act.
  • Nature.  Ephesians 4:25-32
    • Being made new in Christ will change the very nature of who we are as we are transformed through the renewing of our mind.
  • Direction.  Ephesians 5:1-2
    • Being made new in Christ will cause us to walk, live, and think in a new direction.  Godly repentance is not only about our actions, it is also about turning our thoughts completely around and thinking in a new direction.

Today, how will you live a new MIND?

Encouragement and Prayer: A Fleeting Life! (1/27/23)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: A Fleeting Life! (1/27/23)

~

This is the audio from the January 27, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Romans 6:4 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on living a new life as we value all life!  Our relationship with God, and our view of His creation of us, greatly influences the value we place on life.  Life has inherent value because it is a part of God’s creative handiwork.  We can see the result of a society that rejects God — life quickly loses value because we have nothing left to base that value on.

Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.”
Psalm 39:4 (NIV)

 As  you pray this week, ask God to help  you know the great value you have as one who belongs to Him.  Pray that your understanding of a fleeting life would cause you to value each opportunity God gives you.  Pray about how God would add life to your days.  Pray that the people around you would not put off the important decision of pursuing God.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom