ReCreate Church’s Podcast

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, September 26, 2021

That’s Not Fair!

Today Pastor Michael is asking the question, “Is life fair?”.  What is one of the first phrases kids learn?  “That’s not fair!”.  

Life can feel unfair, except when things are going our way.  Then, life is fair.  It’s all a matter of perspective.   

How do we define fairness?  Fairness is freedom from bias, dishonesty or injustice.  When we’re fair, we’re guided by truth, reason and justice.

Unfortunately, as much as we try, we cannot make everything fair.  We have to live in a world where unfairness does happen.  So we’re heading to the Old Testament in Genesis to look at Joseph and his brothers.  The story of Jacob and his numerous wives and concubines is strange enough but the net result is a fractious family of epic proportions.  Four moms, thirteen kids and that’s just the summary!

In that mix comes jealousy and rivalry over Joseph.  Joseph is the favorite kid and everybody knows it.  The first son of Rachael, the only wife that Jacob loved, creating jealousy amongst the brothers.  Add to it, Joseph snitches on his brothers, a reason not really given in the Bible, and this went over about as well as you think!  Now, the other brothers literally hate Joseph! 

Jacob further contributes to this controversy by giving Joseph a really colorful tunic, just adding fuel to the fire!

Thats Not FAIR!  

So, at this point, even though Joseph will ultimately be the hero of this story, it’s far easier to relate and empathize with his brothers! 

Our main theme of all of this is, life will always be a little unfair.  What can we do about that?  How are we going to respond?

1. When unfairness makes our life harder, let’s use the opportunity to grow in resilience and wisdom.
2. When unfairness actually makes our life easier, let’s use it to grow in gratitude and awareness of our blessings.

Next week, we’ll continue the story on Joseph, so stay tuned!

Today’s verses are found in Genesis 37: 1-4. 

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, September 19, 2021

Seasons.

Today Nick Dowdy is standing in for Pastor Michael and covering the topic of “Seasons”.

Here, Nick means seasons not in the meteorological sense but rather different periods of our lives.  More than the highs (peaks) and lows (valleys) of our lives but all of the time that the Lord has lessons for us during these times.

Nick broke out the seasons as:

1. Hardship and Trials.  Everyone has them.  The Lord uses them for us to learn to trust, learn to adapt, learn to lean on others…there are so many things but Nick references John 16:33 and Romans 8:28 as verses relevant to these trials in our lives. 
2. Growth and Cleansing.  After we come out of the tunnel of hardship and trials we get to cleansing and growth.  
3. Thriving and Happiness.  After growth, the fun part starts.  The season we all wish would be our permanent season, things seem to be going right.  James 1: 17 is a verse used here by Nick that shows every good gift comes from God. 

We need to be careful, complacency creeps in during the Thriving and Happiness season.  So we have to ensure God does not take a backset during these times.  Protect your fire with God and don’t forget who gave you the gifts during the good times!

Lastly, Nick brings up the importance of taking an inventory of the seasons of our lives.  Take notes and remind yourself of what the Lord has done to help you, assist you during these times so that we don’t forget.  Don’t forget the lessons and the hope you experienced during these seasons.  

All seasons help us to understand who we are and our place within the Lord’s kingdom.  

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, September 12, 2021

At the Crossroads of Faith and Patriotism

Today Pastor Michael is reflecting on faith and patriotism, entirely fitting at the twentieth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the United States.  Some liken faith and patriotism to being nearly the same thing, but are they?  So we begin our journey at that, the crossroads of faith and patriotism.

God has given us a responsibility to both heaven and our nation.  Taking our bible verse, one step at a time, we notice God is talking to “His” people.  Not limited to one nation or one group of people.  2nd Chronicles 7: 14 appeals to us, not first as citizens of an earthly nation but as the citizens of Heaven, interceding for an earthly nation.

Next, “will humble themselves”.  God tells His people to humble themselves. That one is a little tougher.  Humility is never easy.  Followers of Jesus have always been the underdogs, but our greatest power comes from our humble trust in the Lord.  If we do not humble ourselves, we are going to BE humbled.

“…and pray to seek My face,…”. If the Lord has put us in a position to participate in steering our nation, we should do so.  Remember, the first and most important way to influence our nation: Pray and seek His Face.

“…and turn from their wicked ways…”.  When the Lord tells us to turn from our wicked ways, he’s NOT just talking to unbelievers.  It truth, revival always and forever begins with a remnant of real believers who finally get heartbroken enough over this own spiritual poverty to cry out to God in repentance.  

“..then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  When God’s people seek Him and pray and repent, He will bless the land where they live.  This isn’t limited to YOUR land…it’s on a national scale.  When God’s people turn to Him, He blesses the nation.  

We are at the crossroads of Faith and Patriotism and find this truth: if we really want good things for our nation, the most powerful thing we can do is humble ourselves and pray, seeking God’s face and turn from our wicked ways.  

Our nation needs Jesus people to engage in the political process, but even more to engage in the spiritual process. 

Today’s bible verse is found in 2nd Chronicles 7: 14

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, September 5, 2021

Happily Ever After.

Today Pastor Michael is wrapping up the “End Times” series, the twelfth and final message.  

Today we pick back up with New Jerusalem and John the Apostle gets a glimpse of a river, the Water of Life.  Growing around that river is the Tree of Life.  Although spread over a vast distance, it is spoken of as a singular tree.  We’ve seen the Tree of Life before…it was in the Garden of Eden!

Verse 3 says there will be no more curse on humanity from sin and Verse 4 says we will see the Face of God and His Name will be written on us.  In Verse 5 we find that there will be no more darkness and Verses 6 remind us how important it is that we understand these truths and apply them to our lives.  

(CSB Baker Illustrated Bible Study Notes) 22:1–5. John’s attention turns to the surroundings and landscape of the city. He beholds a glorious paradise of overflowing streams and fruit-bearing trees where there is no longer any curse (22:1–3). Like the garden of Eden (Gn 2:5–6) prior to the fall of Adam, this new Eden is unblemished by sin or the curse of suffering, toil, and death (Gn 3:4–19). Yet the new Eden is much more than a return to a prefall state; it exceeds the old garden in glory and splendor.

The last verses of Revelation 22 serve as a fitting conclusion for the whole Bible.  Verses 18-19 warn us not to add or take away from the Word.  We can’t pick and choose which parts of the Bible we will accept and which parts we reject.  

The Bible represents the whole truth.  

(Disciple's Study Bible Notes) 22:18-19 HOLY SCRIPTURE, Inspired—The God who breathed into each of his messengers the words of revelation declared that no one is to add to or take from his words. They are subject to God’s judgment if they do. The revelation of God is not to be altered, tampered with, or distorted. The book of Revelation is thus consciously presented as sacred Scripture.

Revelation 22: 20 is one of Pastor Michael’s favorite sayings, “He Who testifies these things says, Surely I am coming quickly. Amen! Even so, come Lord Jesus!”.

We live in times that are difficult and frustrating.  It feels harder than ever to live for God and the values of the Kingdom.  We might even suffer for our loyalty to Jesus.  But it is worth it.  

This whole study on the “End Times” should show us that living for Jesus is worth it.  The Endgame is GLORY in the end!

Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 22:  1-17  and 1 Corinthians 13: 12.

 

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, August 29, 2021

Heaven on Earth

Today Pastor Michael is finishing up the series on the End Times and in it he is examining the New Jerusalem, a city which will descend from heaven onto the earth.  It will literally be heaven on earth! In this new city, there will be twelve gates, the famous “Pearly Gates”.  The city is built on twelve foundations, named after the twelve Apostles.  Suffice to say, this place will be gorgeous and breathtakingly beautiful!

The dimensions of New Jerusalem are staggering, even by today’s standards.  1,500 miles wide by 1,500 miles long and, yes! 1,500 miles high!!

There will be no Temple, no center of worship. God and Jesus will be the temple! And it won’t need light, there will be no more darkness.  Leaders will all get along in perfect harmony, centered around the Lord and His People.

So there we have it: Revelation is full of plagues and disasters but when it gets better, it gets SO MUCH BETTER!

Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 21: 10 - 26.

***Important Note—Listeners to today’s podcast heard Rachel Collins give a moving update on the ministry she works at in Haiti, the Christian Academy of Petit-Goave.  Hearing the stories of the children down there, in such dire circumstances due to Haiti’s political instability as well as a series of natural disasters, makes us appreciate there resiliency and optimism of them.  Their website is www.capghaiti.org.  If you have a moment, please look at their website and, if you feel called to help them, please follow up on their website.  Thank you!*** 

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, August 22, 2021

Lives Being Changed.

Today Pastor Michael is turning over the microphone to David and Luci Boudreaux who are giving their story and testimony.  They tell the story of how the Gospel of Jesus changed their lives!  From drugs and spiritual darkness to new life!

Content Warning: The story deals with some difficult topics, including drug use and sexual abuse, so cultivate your audience before listening!

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, August 15, 2021

All Things New

Today Pastor Michael is continuing the story on the “End Times” and it has come to the point where New Jerusalem is appearing.  (ESV Study Bible Notes) The removal of the first heaven and earth eliminates the fatal infection of evil in the cosmic order and gives way to God’s creation of a new cosmic order where sin and suffering and death are forever banished.

(ESV Study Bible Notes) The holy city, new Jerusalem (cf. Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22–24), the church redeemed by Jesus Christ, will no longer be trampled by nations (Rev. 11:2) but rather, will be adorned as a bride. 

“It is done!”  

Finally everything will be done.  All the work will be finished.  It will be time to celebrate!  And this is available to ANYONE that wants to trust in Jesus to give it!

It’s not that those who overcome will be saved, but rather those who are saved will overcome.  This is about faith that is real.  

We cannot end this story without a truth that affects those that do not believe.  A fate that God does not want for anyone, and that Jesus laid down His life to give a way to avoid, but those that do not believe will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 21: 8).

The choice is up to us and God gave us that choice and the new world will be an amazing place.  Eternity will be unbelievable…we will be in eternal fellowship with the Lord!

Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 21: 1-8 and 2 Peter 3: 11.

 

 

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, August 8, 2021

Judgment Day

Today Pastor Michael is finishing up the series on “The End Times”.  So far we’ve been deep into the last days with the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium and now, the Judgment.  This message is about the Judgment Day, when our choices will determine our eternal experience.  

This is it. The last stop. Judgment Day. The Day of Destiny. The Day when people stand before God. This is The Great White Throne. 

I cannot emphasize enough that we don’t want anyone to end up at this point. You might have met some religious folks along the way who seemed almost excited at the idea of people facing judgment. That does NOT reflect God’s heart or ours. 

2 Peter 3:9 says The Lord isn’t willing that anyone should perish, but that all should repent. 1 Timothy 2:4 says God wants everyone to be saved and understand the truth. And John 3:16 says For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

God the Father sent Jesus the Son to pay The Price so nobody will have to face this Judgment Day. Nevertheless, He leaves the choice up to us. 

As Michael  has often said in our study of the End Times, it’s not his purpose to scare you. He wants to show you that you don’t have to be scared. God gives us each the ability to choose. We can choose LIFE. We can choose Jesus. We can choose the way of escape. 

Here is the bottom line. We will all stand before God one day. You get to choose. Do you want to try to make the case before God that you have been perfectly righteous? Or do you want to rely on the Righteousness of Christ? That’s the choice. Let’s make the choice. 

Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 20: 7-15, 2 Corinthians 5: 10, 2 Peter 3: 9 and 1 Timothy 2: 4. 

 

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, August 1, 2021

The Millennial Kingdom, Part 1

Today Pastor Michael is continuing the series, “The End Times” with a discussion on the Millennial times.  This is the 1,000 years of peace during the End Times.  This period comes right after the Tribulation.  During this time Satan is held in a  bottomless pit during the 1,000 years and thus starts the “First Resurrection”.  This concept marries the spirit of a believer that goes to be with Jesus with their body being remade into perfection so that we can experience all that Jesus wants us to. 

This first resurrection began with Jesus, continues with the Rapture where the dead believers are raised and concludes the raising of the Tribulation Saints.  At this point, every believer of all time has been raised.

There is a “Second Resurrection” which Pastor Micheal will cover next week, but for now, we’ll discuss this Millennial Kingdom. There are many promises that will be fulfilled, most notable are:

1. Christ will be King of the Earth in Perfect Peace and Prosperity. 2 Samuel 7: 10-13, Psalm 2: 8, Isaiah 2: 2-4, Ezekiel 37: 24, Daniel 7: 9-14, Luke 1: 32-33 and 1 Corinthians 6: 2.
2. Earth Restored Like Eden.  Isaiah 11: 6-9, 32: 13-15, 35: 7, 1-2, 65: 25 and Ezekiel 34: 25-30.
3. Israel will be Regathered and Established in the Promised Land.  Isaiah 2: 2-4, Amos 9: 14, Zechariah 8: 3 and Malachi 3: 1-3.
4. Pure Worship in a Restored Temple.  Ezekiel 37: 26-28 and chapters 40-48.
5. Supernaturally Good Health and Long Life. Isaiah 33: 24, 35: 5-6, 65: 20-23 and Ezekiel 47: 12. 

We serve a God that keeps His promises!

Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 20: 1-6, plus those listed above in the Promises section of the Millennial Kingdom, plus the verse that guides us through all of this: 2 Peter 3: 11.

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, July 25, 2021

Renewal Out of Tribulation. 

Today Pastor Michael is continuing the series on the “End Times” and we’re examining the last seven judgements, the Seven Bowls, also known as “The Seven Bowls of Wrath”.  These are exceptionally bad times, to put it mildly!

The wraths inflicted are:

1. Terrible sores
2. Oceans turn to blood
3. Blood to drink
4. Sun becomes scorching
5. Supernatural darkness
6. Armageddon being prepared.
7. Thunder and hail.  “It is finished”.

It is difficult to say when the seventh bowl is used but it looks like it will be during the time of the Tribulation and the second coming of Christ. 

After seven years of the AntiChrist, the King of Kings rides in on a white horse. He is coming as a conquering King and coming for a Crown! 

Tribulation births renewal.  When we go through hard times, when the flames pass over us in the Tribulation, or now in our present lives, it will be so that something new and better can grow. 

His name is Jesus. Do you know Him?  

Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 16: 1-21 and 19: 11-16. 

Recreate Church is looking for volunteers for our children’s ministry.  If this is an area you can help with, please contact the church via our webpage at www.recreatechurch.org