Blog - Eastside Life Church

‘Self help’ or ‘His help’

Posted on Jul 27, 2016 in BLOG, pastors pen |

Have you seen how many books are available at the local bookstore on how to make your life better? When you look online there are thousands more ‘self help’ books that focus on some set of ‘behavior modification techniques’. They teach that when we do this and that, then you will get the promised results. To be sure some of them are helpful. Yes we do need discipline, focus, consistency and so on. But most do not really get to the core of the human experience.

THe Rock of Revelation Knowledge

Posted on Jul 12, 2016 in BLOG, pastors pen |

The Rock

Matthew 16:16-18

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

What’s in a name?

Posted on Jul 6, 2016 in BLOG, pastors pen, Uncategorized |

Peter was called Simon before he encountered the transformative love of Jesus. This rugged fisherman could hear from God. He dropped all and followed Jesus at a single word. Yet he was somewhat impetuous. Perhaps he was just like someone you know in the faith. One day they’re up and then the next they’re down. Maybe that one is you … or me.

Revelation: bringing what is not obvious out into the open

Posted on Jun 30, 2016 in BLOG, pastors pen |

Everything is not always obvious. Very often we need God to unveil His truth to us in such a way that we get it. He most often uses the Holy Spirit working with the Word of God to reveal what He is wanting us to know about a situation, person or problem.

Jesus first.

Posted on Jun 23, 2016 in BLOG, pastors pen |

In my experience I have heard more sermons on the principles of life contained in the Word than the glorious person of Jesus who gives life to those principles.

‘Your best life now’ / ‘How to live successfully …’ / Six steps to overcoming this or that…’ and so it goes.

Which side are you on?

Posted on Jun 8, 2016 in BLOG, pastors pen |

It should be obvious to any Christian: of course we are Jesus’ side, that’s a given. However, and very often the ‘however’ makes all the difference. However, there are two broad streams: one that flows from the heart of God towards us: a grace or unmerited favor stream and then there’s a stream that has God’s grace somewhere in the picture but really focuses on our efforts to line up with a system of principles – a value set.

The exchange: strength for weakness

Posted on Jun 2, 2016 in BLOG, pastors pen, Uncategorized |

The exchange: strength for weakness

When you contrast God’s strength with man’s weakness, you get a glimpse of why God set in motion a series of covenants to redeem and restore us to the former glory He intended for us.

I know God is able but is He willing in my case?

Posted on May 25, 2016 in BLOG, pastors pen, Uncategorized |

Many Christians believe that God is indeed almighty – that he can do anything He wants. He is able to do the miraculous. Yet they are often not sure that He is willing in their case.

Q&A regarding speaking in tongues

Posted on May 18, 2016 in BLOG, pastors pen, Uncategorized |

God’s plan is manifold: it has many facets to it. We are encouraged to explore and experience all that He has promised for us. The promise of the Holy Spirit baptism is for all believers. Hopefully the questions and answers below will help you enjoy more of what God has for you\ in this important manifestation of His love for His children.

How to be led by the Spirit

Posted on May 11, 2016 in BLOG, pastors pen |

The Priority of Being Led by the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

This passage refers to ‘mature’ sons. Maturity is the condition of being able to produce and reproduce according to God’s will. An immature ‘son’ will always be a son, but is not yet grown up enough to fulfill the call on his life.

God’s plan for every ‘son’ or child of God – male and female, is to be led by the Holy Spirit in the words they speak, and in their actions and reactions.