Odessa Bible Church

Even in Sarah's old age, God announced she would be with child in one year causing Sarah to laugh. But nothing is impossible with God, not even two Senior adults conceiving and then giving birth. Think of all the miracles that took place.

The way God tells time isn't according to a destination, but the expression of His Grace. The longer He takes is the opportunity for more to come to faith.

Sarai, in doubt of God's faithfulness, arranges to obtain a son through Hagar and Abraham, 
rather than lead, follows his wife and complies. - Genesis 16

How is one generation to relate to the next in the context of a church? What can we do to avoid conflict in worship? How do we carry the Gospel forward without forgetting what is behind?

We've been to the Temple, Market Place, Family Room, Courtroom and now the last place. While most haven't been to the Temple, we've all been to the Graveyard. This is the last stop but it's not what you would expect.

Believers have been Redeemed and Reconciled as a result of the Work of God through Christ Jesus

Propitiation - Through Substitutionary Atonement, God's wrath has been 
justly satisfied and man is set free from the fear of eternal death

The foundational position of Salvation is that Jesus bore the penalty of our sin instead of us, having taken our place as our substitute.

God has been at work, since before the foundations (Eph 1:4) of the world, 
revealing Himself as full of Grace and Truth

Faith grows strong through life's difficulties as long as one remains faithful

God established Abram as the source of blessing for all 
the families of the earth through an unconditional covenant

After the Flood, Man revealed his dead heart towards God through the Sin of Ham (Moral) and the Tower of Babel (Idolatry) that brought curses but also revealed God's lovingkindness
Genesis 9:18-11:32

God provided an Ark, built by Noah, in order to save mankind and the animal kingdom from the coming destruction of the entire earth as a result of man's sin-FULL-ness and then receive God's Covenant.

Learn how Odessa Bible is involved in caring for children in need and how you can join the effort to make "one more home" available for children.

In a race all runners run. The question is how will you run the race God has set before you.

The rapid spread of rebellion infected all of humanity resulting in God's examination, judgement and ultimate punishment of all living, also revealing His grace in providing an ark to rescue obedient Noah.

What is holding you back from joining the ranks of the faithful - the ranks of men and women the world was not worthy of? Consider laying "it" aside in 2012 and running, fixing your eyes upon the Author and Finisher of our Faith, Christ Jesus.

God calculated the costs of man's 
redemption against the darkness of sin and then paid it!

he serpent, wise and sneaky, distorted the character of God leading Eve to doubt God's goodness, rebel and then led her husband in the same rebellion causing consequences of pain and suffering brought on by separation from God

The creation of the cosmos is dwarfed by the delicate forming of Man, a Garden, a Role, a Prohibition and a Relationship all provided by God for man.

Black Friday seeps into our mindsets and before long, we forget the 10th Commandment - Thou Shall Not Covet. How do we avoid wanting what God has not given to us?

We, being made in the image of God, imitate God when we rest. How well are you imitating God?

Throughout the creation story, freedom in God's design is 
established so that man may fully enjoy God's Gracious provision

Through the Torah, the Captives discover a God who is gracious and benevolent. He is alone ruler over all of creation and if they will simply express an obedient faith (not perfect faith), they will be under his wing of blessing. God has made promises and is fully able to keep those promises. He has entered into a relationship with Israel and that relationship is based in a Covenant - The Promise.

The goal is to launch children, equipped from the inside out, to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ into the next generation. Teaching them to Love God, instilling in them a courageous faith, preparing them individually based on their unique design, and providing a safe home base, we are ready to launch them...but they will need a few more things before they leave.

The opportunity we have as parents is to help our children find a life of eternal significance based on their unique design. God wants us to teach them to Love Him, to have a saving and courageous faith and then to live a life that is filled with significance. Your not just raising a child, your shaping future generations of businessmen, school teachers, scientist, public officials, policemen and women, preachers and missionaries. Nobody can do this better than you can.

What can we give our children that will never wear out, equip them for any difficulty, and spur them into great works? We can give them what Daniel's parents must have given him - A growing Faith that was ready for Danger, Courageous, able to Stand Alone and ready to make an Impact. Are you giving that kind of faith to your child?

Truth #1 - Love - God is Love- Your children must come to know and see what real love is.

Paul, in contrast with those who seek to avoid persecution, boasts in the Lord Jesus Christ, who he has not only been scared for, but identifies with through the crucifixion of His inner man with Christ.

We are called to support those who invest spiritually into our lives by sowing good things knowing that God is not mocked, he rewards those who sow to the Spirit rather than to the flesh.

By willingly adjusting ones pace to the Spirit, the believer will naturally produce 
fruit brought about by the Spirit rather than the obvious deeds of the flesh

What does the Spirit do for those who yield to Him? What is even a more pressing question, are you quenching or grieving the Spirit?

What does the way we worry really say about the way we trust God?

The Holy Spirit immediately, involuntarily, and permanently Regenerates (Made Alive), Indwells (Occupies) and Baptizes (Identifies) by the Grace of God, and Seals the believer in Christ till the Day of Redemption.

A Christian is a Christian because he is rightly related to Christ; but "he that is "spiritual" is spiritual because he is rightly related to the Spirit. (Chafer, pg 23)

The Victorious Christian life begins when we realize the source of power we draw strength from is God of very God.

Where do you live? Where do you spend most of your time? Not your address or zip code, but where does your soul live? Where does it abide?

Through various passages, we'll see the faith, wisdom, discipline, leadership, and love Father's provide to their families and churches

The Call to Freedom is an all or nothing proposition given to the believer who must guard against being hindered by those who put their confidence in the flesh

Based on promise, we are not bound by duty or obligation, but relationship

The value of a promise is based in the integrity of the individual making the promise. The value of the law is based on two parties agreeing to fulfill their obligations. One is of Grace. The Other of Works. Which one do you think saves?

Pastor Bob's report from his recent trip to Vietnam.

When difficulty comes, priorities realign. This is true for us in our health, finances and relationships. It was also true for the Apostle Paul as the church in Galatia was facing a crises. The crises of clarity around the Gospel help reshape their vision for the sufficiency of Christ in all things.

The Good news is that Superman isn't real - We have something much better. Those without hope and without God in this world, who are far away and in slaved to sin, who walk after the lusts of the flesh and are by nature sons of disobedience, who are dead in sin and doomed to eternal punishment have now been brought near, made alive, raised up and seated with Him in the heavenly places. "For it is by Grace we have been saved…"The distance has been removed. The relationship restored. The path to adoption sealed. Death has been defeated. We don't need Superman, we have a risen Savior and this changes everything.

The slippery slope of compromise led Pilate into a trap the most skilled politician could not escape.

The life of Peter is one of dying to self so that he might find the rest he so desperately needed.

How we respond to the unexpected loss of control 
is an indicator of who we think is in control.

We are attached through the work of Christ to live a life in surrender to Him.

Paul defended the Gospel before a council in Jerusalem so 
that liberty, the gospel and grace would remain the unifying theme of the church.

The Life of Paul was redirected by God through His Grace to the preaching of the Gospel to regions where Christ was unknown bringing Glory to God. The life that God redirects, He promises to equip, intercede, encourage, and infuse.

Paul expresses his astonishment at the desertion, disruption and distortion of the Gospel among the Galatian Churches and wishes those distorting the Gospel be accursed.

The purpose of the book of Galatians is to reestablish believers in the truth of the Gospel, that we are free because of God's Grace revealed in Christ Jesus.

How to reach the greatest level of misery in 2011!

All I hear is how to make 2011 great and the reality is most give up by February. Let me give you 3 of 7 ways to make 2011 the most miserable year yet.

The Bible talks about rewards in heaven. What does it mean and how do you get one?

Daniel tells of a future for Israel that is riddled with conflict, war and devastation. He does it with divine accuracy and should comfort all believers.

The young nobles, when challenged to compromise their dietary commitments, graciously make a deal with Ashpenaz who allows them their exception and discovers them to be of greater ability in every way.

The vision Nebuchadnezzar had foretold of what would occur over the next 600 plus years. Can you imagine the encouragement this must have been to Daniel, trapped behind enemy lines, to hear of God's coming Kingdom!

When hit with a crisis out of his control, Daniel responded as any dependent would?

The tables were filled to the max with all kinds of wonderful food. Those who ate from that buffet would be strengthened by the food to do great things. When they did, they gave glory to the god who blessed and provided that food. To eat the food would be akin to idolatry so Daniel refused.

Could you?

What would you do if all things that supported your Christian Life were taken away - and I mean everything? Not just taken away, but replaced by everything contrary to your faith. Would you remain faithful? Would you stand firm? What if God didn't answer your prayer? What if things failed? What if... you fill in the blank. Would you abandon this idea of loving God, others and serving?

Many would, are and will. But not Daniel...

Yes, it is true that David had faith when he defeated Goliath. However, he defeated Goliath because His heart was aligned with God's. Is yours?

Matthew 2 is one of those chapters where we tend to see only the sunny side. We see three gifts, which has to mean there were three wise men, and a nice manger scene. It makes for a very nice story if you read only half the chapter. The other half of that same chapter should cause you to cringe and tear up.

Jesus was not easy to follow, listen to or sometimes understand. If he showed up today, would we follow Him? My guess is no and here's why...

Some find spiritual transformation in study, defending the faith or articulating difficult subjects. If this is you, you might be most comfortable on the Intellectual pathway.

Do you like to raise your hands in worship? Maybe even move your feet and clap your hands? Or are you the type who stands, hands to your side and watching others who raise their hands and wonder what in the world they are thinking?
Listen for more...

For some, they find a connection to God through caring for others. But is caring for others limited to those naturally drawn to that path? Could it be that we are all called to serve? Listen to find out.

One of the ways we are transformed into the image of God's Son is through Action. Some find this pathway the most exciting and addicting way to be transformed. Learn why.

Is your spirit just drawn to silence and solitude? Do you ever wish for a simpler life? They check this out, you might be a ascetic!

We should all have some kind of form to our faith. For some, it's a prayer book. For others, it's a routine Bible Study and memory program. When we have a form for our faith that is connected to our hearts, we are on the pathway for growth. Listen for more.

Do you find yourself especially aware of God over a great meal? Does a nail in your pocket through the season of Lent bring an awareness of God's love? You might be a Sensate. Listen for more...

Can you easily see the finger prints of God in creation? Does that draw you into greater awareness of Him, His love and grace? Then you might be a Naturalist. Listen to learn more.

How do you connect to God? Well, of course it's through Jesus Christ, but where do you find on-going connection with Him "naturally?" Is it in service, meditation, helping others, encouraging others? There are several pathways to grow in your relationship with God, the key is to find yours.