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/world http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/09/gods-message-in-911.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/09/gods-message-in-911.htm#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:11:16 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=677 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/09/gods-message-in-911.htm/feed 1 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/whats-my-mission-in-life.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/whats-my-mission-in-life.htm#comments Sun, 10 Oct 2010 16:45:52 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=612

Mission Possible

Character Qualities of a Disciple of Jesus

Helping Others In Their Quest

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/whats-my-mission-in-life.htm/feed 0 message,outreach I'd like to talk about the mission that Jesus has for each disciple. A mission is a special task given to a person or group to carry out. Before we begin discussing what Jesus has to say about your mission, we need to look at some biblical background. (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/101010.jpg)I'd like to talk about the mission that Jesus has for each disciple. A mission is a special task given to a person or group to carry out. Before we begin discussing what Jesus has to say about your mission, we need to look at some biblical background. 1 John 5:19 (NIV) We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. The world that we live in is a spiritual war zone between two opposing kingdoms. On one side is the kingdom of God, inhabited by disciples of Jesus. On the other side is the world, the kingdom of darkness, inhabited by those who are not Jesus’ disciples. The world is under the control of Satan, the evil one. Every person is on one side or the other. 1 John 2:15 (NIV) Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. These two sides are in direct opposition. A disciple is not to love the world or it’s ways. In fact, if a person loves the evil of the world, it proves they are not Jesus’ disciple. What then do you think the world thinks of Jesus’ disciples? John 15:19 (NIV) If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. As we have seen, the character qualities of a disciple of Jesus are exactly the opposite of what the world teaches. So, true disciples, committed followers of Jesus, are hated by those who are of the world, those who are not believers. So, what is the mission of a disciple of Jesus? Jesus’ mission for you and me is to influence people in the world for God so that they go from hating Jesus and His disciples to loving Jesus and His disciples. Our mission is to work with God in rescuing people from the dominion of darkness and bringing them into the kingdom of light. Today, we’re going to look at Jesus’ instructions on how to carry out your mission, one of your primary purposes in life. Listen to my October 10, 2010 message "Jesus on Mission." [flashvideo file=http://www.lifechurchstlouis.org/images/stories/video/101010.mp4 stretching=fill /] Pastor Dan's Blog no 35:48 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/03/designed-to-shine.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/03/designed-to-shine.htm#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:51:47 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=526

Finding Courage To Shine

Understanding the Darkness

What’s My Mission in Life?

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/03/designed-to-shine.htm/feed 0 current events,outreach Light is needed in dark places and the world today is a dark place. The Bible teaches that there are two kingdoms in conflict, the kingdom of light, God’s Kingdom and the kingdom of darkness, Satan’s kingdom. (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/100307.jpg)Light is needed in dark places and the world today is a dark place. The Bible teaches that there are two kingdoms in conflict, the kingdom of light, God’s Kingdom and the kingdom of darkness, Satan’s kingdom. The results of the kingdom of darkness are violence, death, sickness and sin of all kinds. We see the kingdom of darkness in action in the news all the time. This past week, the news headlines have shown: an earthquake in Chile, shootings, suicide bombings, violence, high unemployment, political fighting and so on. You might say that the news media is not a true barometer of what is going on in the world. I think there’s a certain amount of truth to that – seems like the only news fit for print is the bad news. However, you have to admit that everything is not right in our world – there is a lot of darkness, there is a lot of evil. It’s also in St Louis, Here’s local headlines: man shot to death in East St. Louis parking lot, officials point fingers in abuse case, video gambling puts Illinois governor on the spot. Looks like we’ve got plenty of problems, plenty of darkness right here in St Louis. Just because the world is a dark place, I don’t think that we need to throw up our hands and say that life is hopeless. I don’t think that we need to get down or depressed about the darkness. God wants us to live brightly in our dark world, He wants us to let our lights shine. He doesn’t want believers overwhelmed by the darkness. NIV Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. In a dark world, a lot of people go around complaining about the darkness. In a dark world, a lot of people argue with others about their behaviors. God’s Word tells us that complaining and arguing don’t help at all, we shouldn’t do either. In fact, to complain or argue puts you right back into the darkness. But there’s a better way, a way to live a blameless and pure life, to shine like stars in a dark world. My message today is entitled “Designed To Shine.” It is no accident that you and I are living in 2010 in a dark world. God designed you to live in such a time of this. So no complaining or arguing. In this series, we’re going to look at a book in the Old Testament called Esther. If you’ve never read it before or not recently, I’d encourage you to read it this week. It’s only 10 chapters long. The book is about a young Jewish girl named Esther who was living in a dark world. Esther was part of the exiled nation of Israel living in captivity in Persia during the reign of King Xerxes between 486 and 465 BC. The story begins with King Xerxes throwing a royal banquet that lasted for 180 days, showcasing the enormous wealth and splendor of the kingdom. Near the end of the banquet, the King sent for Queen Vashti to parade her beauty before the guests, but she refused to come. Needless to say, she was removed from her position of queen and that’s where our story of Esther begins. The first lesson we can learn about bright living in a dark world is ... Listen to my March 7, 2010 message "Designed To Shine" ( (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/100103-message-notes.pdf)message-notes (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/100307-message-notes.pdf)). Pastor Dan's Blog no http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/01/courageous-influence.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/01/courageous-influence.htm#comments Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:19:55 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=512 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/01/courageous-influence.htm/feed 0 life issues,outreach Medical science has made many advances in recent years. Largely because of those advances, the average life span has steadily increased and now stands at 78. People working in the medical field have found cures for many diseases and influenced the worl... Medical science has made many advances in recent years. Largely because of those advances, the average life span has steadily increased and now stands at 78. People working in the medical field have found cures for many diseases and influenced the world for good. It would be unthinkable for a medical researcher to find a cure for a fatal disease and then not tell anyone about it. When you find a cure that will help others, you do everything you can to let others know about that cure. There is a disease that no medical researcher is working on. This disease is widespread. In fact, it infects every human being at birth. This disease is terminal. Unless cured, you will die from it. The disease I am talking about is sin. No person is immune from it. Romans 3:23 (NIV) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, How many people are infected by sin? All have sinned. What is sin? Sin is actions, attitudes and thoughts that fall short of how God designed people to live. Sin hurts the person who sins, hurts others and hurts God. Sin has a tragic final outcome. Romans 6:23a (NIV) For the wages of sin is death … The end result of the disease of sin is death. First of all, physical death in this life. The ultimate reason that people die physically is the result of sin. Secondly, the end result of sin is eternal death. Separation from God forever in a place of unbelievable torment called hell. That is the fate of every person born into this world, unless they find the only cure for the disease of sin. Here is the cure … Romans 6:23b (NIV) … but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. This cure works in every person and has a 100% cure rate. The cure for sin is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Most, if not all of us here at Life Church have been cured of sin. We have become believers, followers of Jesus Christ. We have the gift of eternal life. We’ve found the cure or perhaps more accurately, Jesus has brought us the cure. What is our responsibility to all those around us who are still dying of the disease of sin? That’s what we’re going to talk about today. My message is entitled “Courageous Influence.” God has designed you to influence those around you for Jesus. God has chosen you to tell others about the cure for sin that you have found. God is calling us to not be ashamed, but be courageous in spreading the Good News of Jesus to others who need to know. Romans 1:16 (NIV) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes ... So can we be courageous influencers in our world? How can we share the cure for sin with people around us? Listen to my January 31, 2010 message "Courageous Influence" ( (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/100103-message-notes.pdf)message-notes (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/100131-message-notes.pdf)). Pastor Dan's Blog no http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/11/hope-for-americas-future.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/11/hope-for-americas-future.htm#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:14:00 +0000 Pastor Dan http://192.168.1.105/wordpress/?p=4

Can I Find A Lasting Hope?

Discover Hope For Your Life

Jesus Brings Hope

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/11/hope-for-americas-future.htm/feed 2 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/10/evil-of-proposition-and-gambling.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/10/evil-of-proposition-and-gambling.htm#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:52:00 +0000 Pastor Dan http://192.168.1.105/wordpress/?p=6 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/10/evil-of-proposition-and-gambling.htm/feed 1 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/01/importance-of-character-in-leadership.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/01/importance-of-character-in-leadership.htm#comments Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:10:00 +0000 Pastor Dan http://192.168.1.105/wordpress/?p=17

Follow The Leader

Character Qualities of a Disciple of Jesus

A Father’s Importance For A Child’s Spirituality

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/01/importance-of-character-in-leadership.htm/feed 3 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2007/04/lessons-from-virginia-tech-massacre.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2007/04/lessons-from-virginia-tech-massacre.htm#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:21:00 +0000 Pastor Dan http://192.168.1.105/wordpress/?p=54 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2007/04/lessons-from-virginia-tech-massacre.htm/feed 0 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2007/02/lost-tomb-of-jesus.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2007/02/lost-tomb-of-jesus.htm#comments Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:32:00 +0000 Pastor Dan http://192.168.1.105/wordpress/?p=62

Why The Resurrection Matters

Who Is Jesus?

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2007/02/lost-tomb-of-jesus.htm/feed 2 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2006/11/biblical-perspective-on-stem-cell-debate.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2006/11/biblical-perspective-on-stem-cell-debate.htm#comments Sun, 05 Nov 2006 19:25:00 +0000 Pastor Dan http://192.168.1.105/wordpress/?p=77

Missouri Amendment 2 and The Stem Cell Debate – A Biblical Perspective

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2006/11/biblical-perspective-on-stem-cell-debate.htm/feed 0 life issues Today, I'm going to talk about "A Biblical Perspective on the Stem Cell Debate." This issue has been around for a while, but has come to Missouri in the form of a ballot initiative called Missouri Amendment 2 : The Stem Cell Initiative. (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/uploaded_images/061105.jpg)Today, I'm going to talk about "A Biblical Perspective on the Stem Cell Debate." This issue has been around for a while, but has come to Missouri in the form of a ballot initiative called Missouri Amendment 2 : The Stem Cell Initiative. If you've been following the news or just the World Series, you've heard from actors, politicians and doctors giving you their 30-second take on the issue. It's a controversial issue and confusing for many people, in fact I really didn't understand what was at stake until I attended a pastor's meeting several months ago. At that meeting a Christian PhD scientist explained what Amendment 2 was all about from a biblical perspective.I began to study the issues in more depth. For those who don't know my background, besides my theological degree, I also have a PhD in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and so have the background to understand the issues. Several weeks ago I wrote a blog article on the issue entitled "Missouri Amendment 2 and the Stem Cell Debate – A Biblical Perspective." To date over 5000 people have read the blog, spending on average 5 minutes on the page. People can comment on the blog and there were so many comments that I could only publish some of them, but I will refer to some comments this morning. Note that my title this morning is called "A Biblical Perspective." Here at Life Church, we believe that the Bible is to be our authority on the decisions we make in life. NIV Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Not everyone agrees, here is part of a comment to my blog, misspellings included. "You are an idiot. You must realize that religeon can never be part of politics and it should never be. You, like so many like you, take liberties with your alledged interpretation of the bible, a fictional book at best." This person has a religion, it's just not based on the Bible or on God's truth Here's another comment from another person, "Reading 2000 year old scripture and applying it to today's problems with health is stupid." Is applying the Bible to today's moral issues involving life and death stupid? I don't think so. If we don't use the Bible as our standard, then there is no standard. NIV Romans 8:7 The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. As a believer, I submit my life to God's Word. As a church, we submit our lives to God's Word. As you will see this morning, the issues involved in this debate, although seemingly complex at first, are actually quite simple to understand. The Biblical teaching in this area is also very clear for those who take it seriously. There is no disagreement among evangelical Bible-believing denominations, churches and ministries on this issue. Why should Life Church get involved in the debate at all?To hear more about this topic, listen to my November 5, 2006 message entitled A Biblical Perspective On The Stem Cell Debate Pastor Dan's Blog no