Habitation Church

Appointing Elders in the Church

In this powerful sermon delivered during the appointment of elders, Bob Gladstone draws from the book of Acts to emphasize the biblical model of church leadership. He explores the apostolic ministry of Paul, particularly his experiences in Lystra, where Paul was stoned nearly to death but miraculously got back up, aided by the gathered disciples. This imagery serves as a foundation for understanding the role of the church as a community that surrounds, supports, and strengthens its leaders.

Bob challenges modern concepts of leadership by contrasting worldly models with the biblical vision of eldership. Elders are described as mature, parental figures whose authority is rooted in spiritual maturity and service, not in hierarchical power or political maneuvering. The sermon stresses the importance of leaders being formed within the church community, where their character can be observed, tested, and affirmed.

The message culminates in the significance of appointing elders who are not only capable of leading but who embody the values and spirit of the church they serve. Bob calls the congregation to recognize that the true strength of the church lies in its collective identity as the body of Christ, where leaders and members alike are united in mission and purpose.

As the sermon draws to a close, Bob invites the church to surround the newly appointed elders in prayer, symbolizing the community’s role in their ongoing support and the shared responsibility of living out the gospel together.

Our Inheritance in God

In this sermon, Daniel Mironichenko delivered a powerful message centered on "Inheritance." He explored the profound spiritual inheritance we have received through Jesus Christ, based on Psalm 16:5-8 and Ephesians 1.

 

Daniel emphasized that our inheritance is both personal and communal, made possible by Jesus' sacrifice, which secured it for us. He highlighted that our inheritance is a revelation of grace granted through faith rather than unbelief.

 

He outlined five key aspects of our inheritance:

 

1. His Presence: We receive God Himself through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

 

2. His Word: His promises are embedded in His Word.

 

3. His Nature: We are given the right to become children of God, evolving into His character and forming a divine community.

 

4. His Story: We are integrated into God's grand narrative and can draw strength from the faith of those who came before us.

 

5. His Kingdom: Jesus passed the Kingdom to us, and we are called to manifest this Kingdom in the world around us.

 

Daniel concluded by stressing the importance of our inheritance with Ephesians 1:3-14, pointing out that we are not only recipients of this inheritance but also a significant part of God's grand plan for glory. This inheritance isn't just a gift; it signifies that we are, in essence, God's own inheritance.

Building on the Cornerstone: The Foundation of the Church

This sermon explores the foundational elements of the Church as described in Ephesians 2:18-22. It delves into what it means for Jesus to be the cornerstone and how the apostles and prophets fit into this divine blueprint. The message also emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying spiritual gifts to build a church that truly reflects God's vision. Learn how these elements contribute to creating a living, dynamic community that engages the world and reflects God's presence. May this sermon encourage you to play a vital role in strengthening the Church's foundation.

The Apostolic Charge

In this message, David Popovici draws our attention to Paul’s final charge to Timothy. Emphasizing the urgency and weight of Paul's words, David encourages believers to remain steadfast in their mission despite hardships and opposition.

With a call to preach the Word in season and out, David challenges us to embrace our calling with unwavering commitment, focusing on eternal rewards and maintaining integrity in ministry.

This message serves as a reminder to lock into our divine purpose, keep our eyes on the eternal, and faithfully carry out the mission entrusted to us.

 

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.