Habitation Church

Embracing Faith: From Conflict to Rejoicing

Join Pastor Jim Rodriguez in this sermon as he journeys through the book of Habakkuk, exploring how faith transforms our perspective in the midst of adversity.

From initial conflict and complaint to ultimate rejoicing and faith (Habakkuk 3:17-19), Pastor Jim illuminates the transformative power of embracing God's direction, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Drawing on biblical parallels such as Joshua's leadership (Joshua 24:15) and the apostle Paul's teachings on faith (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38), he emphasizes the importance of living by faith and seeing beyond challenges to God's greater purposes.

This message challenged us to embody authenticity in our faith journey and to represent Christ faithfully in today's cultural landscape. Whether you're seeking encouragement in difficult times or clarity in your faith journey, Pastor Jim's sermon offers profound insights and practical wisdom for navigating life with unwavering faith.

Part 02 - The Glory Belonging to Jesus in the Church

In this message, Michael shares from the book of Ephesians chapter 3 about the glory belonging to Jesus in the Church. 

God has an eternal purpose. According to Paul, this eternal purpose is what was being worked out in Christ in the cross. (Eph 3:11)

In a familiar verse in Ephesians chapter 3, Paul makes the statement that if God can do this— meaning accomplish the eternal purpose— that He can do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could ask, think, or even imagine. (Eph 3:20)

We should ask ourselves, “What is God’s Eternal Purpose?“ (Eph 3:11)

Next, we should consider, “What is the glory belonging to Jesus that is to be seen and evidenced in the Church that is directly connected to God’s eternal purpose?” (Eph 3:21)

God has poured out His Spirit to resource His desires. Using Ephesians, Michael details aspects of God’s eternal purpose demonstrated by the Spirits power in the Church—

In Part II of this message, Michael shares about—

A. Jesus said we will receive power when the Spirit comes on us to be His witnesses. (Acts 1:8)

- Your life is contributing an evidence towards God’s testimony. 
- Your life is providing a witness right now of all God said is coming at The End. 
- The Church is to be viewed and experienced as the trailer, or the preview, and the full “movie” will be realized at the End of the Age. (Eph 3:10-11)

B. We organize all of our Church efforts the way we do because of the Glory that belongs to Jesus that demonstrates the Eternal Purpose. (Eph 3:21)

- There is power at work within us and among us that reveals God can do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond what we ask or think. (Eph 3:20)
- We need to plant our lives in the EcoSystem of a way of life and realize the influence of the Spirits power to shape us and form us to make us these witnesses.

Part 01 - The Glory Belonging to Jesus in the Church

In this message, Michael shares from the book of Ephesians chapter 3 about the glory belonging to Jesus in the Church. 

God has an eternal purpose. According to Paul, this eternal purpose is what was being worked out in Christ in the cross. (Eph 3:11)

In a familiar verse in Ephesians chapter 3, Paul makes the statement that if God can do this— meaning accomplish the eternal purpose— that He can do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could ask, think, or even imagine. (Eph 3:20)

We should ask ourselves, “What is God’s Eternal Purpose?“ (Eph 3:11)

Next, we should consider, “What is the glory belonging to Jesus that is to be seen and evidenced in the Church that is directly connected to God’s eternal purpose?” (Eph 3:21)

God has poured out His Spirit to resource His desires. Using Ephesians, Michael details aspects of God’s eternal purpose demonstrated by the Spirits power in the Church—

A. Redeeming Humanity
- God will raise the dead
- Humans will be recreated in the image of Christ 

 

B. Brokering Reconciliation
- God is reconciling the rebels
- The body of Jesus is a broker of reconciliation 
 
C. Overthrowing & Exiling the Powers
- The Church lives in the experienced freedom from the powers 
- The influence and inspiration of the powers is conquered and exiled from the hearts/minds & way of life of the Church.

We Need a Revelation of the Gospel

Many believers have misunderstood the gospel, thinking it's just about avoiding hell and getting to heaven without realizing what it truly entails.

Frankie explains that salvation is free, but allegiance to Jesus will cost you everything. He highlights the importance of not just hearing about salvation but also understanding the good news of the King and His Kingdom.

Frankie emphasizes that without grasping what the gospel has made us, new creations, we struggle to comprehend Kingdom values and the church's role in God's plan of redemption.

He stresses the need for a revelation of Jesus to see things through the right perspective, which shapes our understanding of the church and its significance in God's plan.

Becoming the Church Jesus Desires

When we look at the early Church we see that the Apostles spending significant time with Jesus caused them to build His Church in a specific way. This way of life together wasn't a new plan to build a thriving "church". They seemingly took the values that were important to Jesus while He was with them on the earth and lived them out daily with others. The result? A sense of awe and wonder and God adding to their number daily!

If we believe this to be true, then we must also believe Jesus has a desire for what the Church should look like. This model, the first-century church, produced transformed people who were together devoted to a specific way of life. 

We see that following Jesus and being a part of the first-century Church cost them everything. Are we willing to pay the price no matter the cost to truly become the people that Jesus desires to have for Himself? He is worthy!

 

Choosing Love: Walking in Obedience

Frankie guides us through the timeless desire of the Lord to have a people who willingly choose Him out of love and obedience. From the dawn of humanity, there's been a narrative of straying from the path the Lord laid out for us. Throughout the Hebrew Bible, we witness this recurring theme of people consistently opting for alternatives to God's ways.

But amidst this cycle, a pivotal moment occurs with the revelation of Jesus as the prototype human. He becomes the beacon of hope, embodying the ultimate act of choosing complete obedience to the Lord out of profound love for the Father.

In light of this, we're presented with an invitation from God—to cultivate a reverent awe for Him and to shape our lives around the example of Jesus, living in loving obedience. It's a journey of growth and transformation, one where we align ourselves with the divine will and find fulfillment in walking closely with our Creator. Join us as we explore this profound invitation to live in harmony with the heart of God.

Heaven’s Pattern

In this enriching episode, we explore the profound theme of CHRIST as our unique GOAL, highlighting prayer as a vital resource that should shape our lives.

We reflect on biblical offerings like the Sin Offering, Trespass Offering, and Burnt Offering, emphasizing a life of sacrifice as the reasonable response to God's extravagant grace.

In Genesis 18:19, we recognize Abraham's pivotal role in God's redemptive plan. Abraham's obedience and stewardship serve as a pattern to be considered, with Christ as his ultimate goal.

We underscore Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and encourage listeners to emulate a faithful walk with God by making Christ the center of their lives.

Unity, Hospitality, and Generosity

We had the joy of hearing from our dear friend Scott Volk as he taught on some of the defining characteristics of the Church. 

We were challenged to be a people that are supernaturally unified, irresistibly hospitable, and radically generous!

May we be a people who sow our lives into becoming the Church that brings King Jesus great glory!