http://www.pastordanwalker.org Truth from Life Church St Louis Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:02:10 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Truth from Life Church St Louis Pastor Dan's Blog no Truth from Life Church St Louis http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://www.pastordanwalker.org/category/bible http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/11/are-there-many-paths-to-god.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/11/are-there-many-paths-to-god.htm#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:58:00 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=694

Jesus – The Power of God

What is Truth?

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Can The Truth Change Me?

Understanding Life’s Sanctity

What is Truth?

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/04/speaking-the-truth.htm/feed 0 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/04/increasing-in-integrity.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/04/increasing-in-integrity.htm#comments Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:23:07 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=669

Keeping Pure

Understanding Life’s Sanctity

Putting God First

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/04/increasing-in-integrity.htm/feed 0 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/keeping-pure.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/keeping-pure.htm#comments Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:02:36 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=667

Understanding Life’s Sanctity

Increasing in Integrity

Keeping Your Life In Balance

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Keeping Pure

Eliminating Idols

Learning To Rest

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/understanding-lifes-sanctity.htm/feed 0 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/01/hope-for-the-new-year.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/01/hope-for-the-new-year.htm#comments Sun, 02 Jan 2011 22:36:06 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=636

Jesus Brings Hope

Discover Hope For Your Life

Seeing God’s Goals for You

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/01/hope-for-the-new-year.htm/feed 0 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/why-motives-are-important.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/why-motives-are-important.htm#comments Sun, 24 Oct 2010 19:09:36 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=619

Character Qualities of a Disciple of Jesus

Overcoming a Judgmental Attitude

Why Relationships Are Important

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/why-motives-are-important.htm/feed 0 Jesus,message,purpose Today my message is called “Jesus on Motives.” Motives are the inward thoughts or reasons behind our words and behaviors. Other people can’t see your motives, only you and God truly know the motives behind your actions. (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/101024.jpg)Today my message is called “Jesus on Motives.” Motives are the inward thoughts or reasons behind our words and behaviors. Other people can’t see your motives, only you and God truly know the motives behind your actions. Motives have a lot to do with our hearts. As we are going through the Sermon on the Mount, we are seeing that Jesus had a lot to say about our heart attitudes or motives. Why should you be concerned with your motives? We’re going to see today that when you do the right things with the right motives, God will bless you. If you do the right things with the wrong motives, you get zero blessing. And of course if you do the wrong things in life, things won’t go well with you. Sometimes people wonder why God blesses others who appear to be doing the same things they are, but they aren’t blessed. One of the possible reasons could be motives. We are carefully studying Jesus’ words, because as we learn to follow them with God’s help, our lives will be blessed in increased measure. Matthew 6:1 (NIV) "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. This statement by Jesus sums up everything we’re going to be talking about today. He says the His disciples must not do good things before others with the motivation to be seen by others. If you have this wrong motivation, you will get no blessing or reward from God. Now, if you’ve been following this message series, we talked earlier about Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:16 (NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Isn’t that a contradiction? In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us to let others see our good deeds and in Matthew 6, He says don’t do your good deeds before men. No, it’s not a contradiction, it’s a difference of motives. In Matthew 5, the motivation in doing good deeds before people is so that God is praised. In Matthew 6, Jesus warns us to not do our good deeds before men in order to be seen or praised by them. Jesus is warning us against the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who had wrong motives. John 12:43 (NIV) for they loved praise from men more than praise from God. That is a wrong motivation for good deeds. So what we have here is truth in tension. We are to do good deeds before others, so God is praised. Yet, we must be careful not to do those same good deeds in order to receive praise for ourselves. In this passage, in Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus is going to instruct us about three kinds of good deeds. In each instance, Jesus begins his instruction by saying, When you … and then goes on. Jesus is assuming, or perhaps we should say commanding every follower to practice these three things in their lives. But when we practice them, we must have the right heart attitude or motivation in order to be rewarded or blessed by God. Listen to my October 24, 2010 message "Jesus on Motives." [flashvideo file=http://www.lifechurchstlouis.org/images/stories/video/101024.mp4 stretching=fill /] Pastor Dan's Blog no 27:12 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/character-qualities-of-a-disciple-of-jesus.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/character-qualities-of-a-disciple-of-jesus.htm#comments Sun, 03 Oct 2010 17:58:01 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=604

Jesus – The Power of God

The Importance Of Character In Leadership

Jesus’ Instructions on Relationships

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/character-qualities-of-a-disciple-of-jesus.htm/feed 2 discipleship,Jesus,message Today we begin a new message series called “40 Days with Jesus.” I believe the content of this series has the potential to make a radical difference in the lives of everyone here. Why? Because we’re going to be studying the most famous teaching of Jesu... (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/101003jpg.jpg)Today we begin a new message series called “40 Days with Jesus.” I believe the content of this series has the potential to make a radical difference in the lives of everyone here. Why? Because we’re going to be studying the most famous teaching of Jesus called the Sermon on the Mount. This teaching of Jesus is found in Matthew 5-7 and we’ll be going through these 3 chapters verse by verse over the next 40 days or so in October and November. Before we get into the first section of the Sermon on the Mount, let’s look at the whole passage in summary. I believe that Jesus’ teaching could be best summarized in Matthew 6:8 (NIV) Do not be like them … Who is the ‘them’ we are not to be like? As you read the whole passage, which I’d encourage you to do this week, you’ll see the ‘them’ is hypocrites. What is a hypocrite? A hypocrite is a person who claims to have certain beliefs, but his behavior in his life shows he is not sincere. A hypocrite is someone who wears a beautiful mask, but underneath things are not so beautiful. A hypocrite is not who they seem to be. Now, before we all excuse ourselves, because we aren’t hypocrites, but we sure know a few, I believe that we all have some hypocrisy to deal with in our lives. As long as we are sinners, we try to cover up that sin and appear better than we really are. Jesus hates hypocrisy, but he loves authenticity. Being who you say you are. Being in private, the same as you appear in public. That’s what I want for myself and everyone in this church. Jesus’ message in the Sermon on the Mount is not just negative, he also shows us what a true follower, a true disciple of Jesus should live like. In the very first section of the sermon, Jesus shows us what the character of a disciple should be. Today, I’ve entitled my message ‘Jesus on Character.” Every believer is to be a disciple of Jesus, a follower of Jesus. If someone is not a disciple of Jesus, then they’re not a believer. In today’s message, we’re going to be looking at the 8 beatitudes, found in Matthew 5. Each one begins with the phrase “Blessed are ... and then Jesus describes a character trait of a disciple.” What does it mean to be blessed? Someone who is blessed by God is content, they are fulfilled, they are filled with joy, their needs are met. So, today, we’re going to look at 8 character qualities that God wants to build into your life, so that you’ll be blessed and equipped to fulfill God’s purpose for your life. Listen to my October 3, 2010 message "Jesus on Character." [flashvideo file=http://www.lifechurchstlouis.org/images/stories/video/101003.mov stretching=fill /] Pastor Dan's Blog no 40:28 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/09/why-go-to-church-2.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/09/why-go-to-church-2.htm#comments Sun, 26 Sep 2010 20:04:46 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=601

A Church of Prayer

Connecting With A Church Family

St Louis Church Directory – A Tool For Finding A St Louis Church

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/09/why-go-to-church-2.htm/feed 0 community,message,purpose Life is getting busier and more hectic with each passing year. How many would agree with that? It seems as though the time in a day is shrinking every month. The night arrives before we have time to get everything done. (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/100926.jpg)Life is getting busier and more hectic with each passing year. How many would agree with that? It seems as though the time in a day is shrinking every month. The night arrives before we have time to get everything done. So it’s important that we spend the time that God has given us doing the most profitable things. One of the things that God has designed to help you be successful in life is church. Yet even in the days of the Bible, people had a problem with going to church. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. God’s Word tells us not to give up on going to church, because we need the encouragement that church brings us. And the Day of Christ’s return is closer now than ever. In America, 84% of adults claim to be Christians, yet only 20% of adults regularly attend church. The number one reason that people don’t regularly attend church is that they are too busy. What does it mean when someone says they are too busy to do something? It simply means that the thing you are too busy for has a low priority in your life. You don’t see much value or benefit in it. I really believe that’s why the vast majority of people in America do not regularly attend church. They see no real benefit to it, it’s just a waste of a Sunday morning. This morning, my message is entitled “Five Benefits of Church.” We’re going to look at the Bible together and see five main reasons to go to church. Knowing these five reasons will also help us make good use of our time in church. Knowing these five reasons will help you pick a healthy church family to be a part of to begin with. If the Bible says that being part of a church family is important, then there must be something to it. This morning we’re going to concentrate on one passage in the book of Acts. The book of Acts in the New Testament tells the story of how the church got started. It’s not just a lesson in history though, the model found for the church in Acts is one that God desires the church of the 21st century to follow as well. There are 28 chapters in the book of Acts. We want Life Church to be an Acts 29 church. An Acts 29 church is a church that is committed to extending what started in the first 28 chapters of Acts right into St Louis in 2010 in our own Acts 29 chapter. Acts 2:41-47 (NIV) Those who accepted his [Peter’s] message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. From this passage we’re going to discover five reasons why the church exists and why you should be a part of it. Listen to my September 26, 2010 message "Five Benefits of Church." [flashvideo file=http://www.lifechurchstlouis.org/images/stories/video/100926.mov stretching=fill /] Pastor Dan's Blog no 33:35 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/08/praying-with-the-bible.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/08/praying-with-the-bible.htm#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:46:19 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=578

Advanced Prayer Disciplines

What Hinders Your Prayers?

A Church of Prayer

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/08/praying-with-the-bible.htm/feed 0 discipleship,message,prayer Prayer is one of the most important activities that a believer can do. Prayer can be defined simply as talking and listening to God. There are many aspects to prayer. In the Lord's prayer, Jesus teaches us about five aspects of prayer. (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/100822.jpg)Prayer is one of the most important activities that a believer can do. Prayer can be defined simply as talking and listening to God. There are many aspects to prayer. In the Lord's prayer, Jesus teaches us about five aspects of prayer. The first aspect is praising God for who He is. Next is committing yourself to God's purpose in this world. Third is requesting something from God. Fourth is asking for forgiveness for sin committed. And finally, prayer asks for protection from sin and evil. Right in the middle of the Lord's prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray. Matthew 6:11 (NIV) Give us today our daily bread. We learn from that simple six word request a lot about prayer. We are to present our requests to God every day. Asking God for things is not just to be done when we are in trouble, it is to be a daily habit. Asking God for things is not something that we are to be shy about or ashamed to do. Not only does God give us permission to ask, but Jesus encourages us and tells us to ask for our own good. If we are to ask for our daily bread, for food to fill our table, surely no other request is too small or too big for God to honor. Matthew 21:22 (NIV) If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. God wants you to receive answers to your prayers. You want to receive answers to your prayers. So, how can you improve your track record, how can each of us receive more answers to our prayers? Last week, we looked at how unconfessed sin in your life can prevent God's answers from coming. So the bottom line was don't sin, but if you do, confess and stop doing it right away if you want your prayers answered. This week, I want to look at something positive that will greatly increase the number of answers that you get to your prayers. Today, my message is entitled "God's Word and Prayer." One of your greatest resources in prayer is the Bible, God's Word. Trying to pray without using God's Word will lead to meager results. Now you don't have to have a Bible in your hand every time you pray, but you surely need to have God's Word in your heart to pray the kind of prayers that God answers. So today we want to ask the question, "How can God's Word help me to receive more answers to my prayers?" Listen to my August 22, 2010 message "The Bible and Prayer." [flashvideo file=http://www.lifechurchstlouis.org/images/stories/video/100822-message.mov stretching=fill /] Pastor Dan's Blog no 36:13