LIFE AFTER THE GARDEN
"Life After The Garden" is a collection of talks focused on choices made, both good and bad, and how God still remains faithful.
In the eighth and final week of “Life After the Garden”, Pastor Rodney encourages us to go "Beyond Belief" by seeking a deeper experience of God's presence. Preaching from the book of Exodus, he emphasizes surrender, sacrifice, and obedience, warning us against seeking comfort over growth. As you listen, begin to realize, position, and practice God's presence which will impact both your personal life and your interactions with others.
In week 7 of Life After the Garden, Pastor Rodney delves into the theme of "presence," using Exodus 33 as a focal point where Moses seeks assurance of God's companionship. He highlights the difference between God's omnipresence and His manifest presence, emphasizing the transformative power of the latter.
Through this message, we see the human tendency to prioritize control, pleasure, productivity, or people over God's presence. However, we must release control and prioritize God's presence, which ultimately leads to true fulfillment and purpose. Listen and be challenged.
In today's message, Pastor Rodney preaches from Exodus 15 and talks about the importance of singing new songs unto the Lord, highlighting God's unfailing love and urging us to worship even in challenging times. He shows us that the measure of a God-honoring song is singing BEFORE seeing results. As you listen, consider what a new song of praise might look like in your life.
In part two of Pastor Rodney's message from last week, "Keeping the Dream Alive", he continues to unpack the story of Joseph and how the Lord was with him through troubled times. Pastor encourages us to focus on making others a success and not becoming discouraged if reciprocation is not immediate, because God sees and remembers. We must be desperate for God, building our dependence on Him and knowing that forgiveness is the prerequisite for fruitfulness. Listen and be challenged.
In week four of “Life After the Garden”, Pastor Rodney dives into God's purpose for humanity, highlighting that God's dreams will always surpass individual aspirations. He uses Joseph's story in Genesis to illustrate how he preserved his God-given dream despite challenges, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Lord's presence. Pastor warns us about the temptation to compromise our beliefs, whether it’s the desire to fit in, feel good, fear, becoming too familiar, or lacking a firm foundation in God's Word. He urges us to avoid compromise by grounding ourselves in the Word, grow with the community, and be filled with the Spirit. Listen and be challenged.
In week three of "Life After the Garden", Pastor Samson brings the Word from Genesis 28 where we find Jacob, who was in a difficult place in life, have a dream that changes the entire trajectory of his life and his relationship with God. Pastor Samson challenges us to take hold of the dreams God gives us, not seek to "get" or understand God but simply obey what He says, and be careful to not miss the moments within our faith journey. Listen and be challenged.
In week two of Life After the Garden, Pastor Rodney encourages us to have a deeply intimate relationship with God, highlighting the importance of aligning our lives with His will and ways. He stresses the significance of warning others who may stray from this path and emphasizes the role of faith in drawing closer to God. We are encouraged to prioritize our relationship with Christ, navigating both the challenges and rewards while seeking truth and closeness with God.
In week one of Life After the Garden, Pastor Clint Smith highlights how we reflect God's image and emphasizes the significance of relationships, both with God and others, for spiritual growth. He encourages daily scripture reading for a close relationship with God, engagement in community for spiritual development, and following the Holy Spirit's guidance to emulate God. Listen and be challenged.