Without Holy Love Shut Down the Church - 6/22/2014

If the church is not interested in living as God designed the church to be, then why waste more of anyone's time by keeping the doors open?

In this message we hear God's given identity of the church. And we wrestle with how the church is measuring up. Sure, we always have a long way to go in order to be perfect. But are we at least striving for what God has created the church to be?

At this church, Canoga Park Presbyterian, we realize that we are always on the journey towards reaching the goal God sets before us. And it is critical and fundamental to us that we maintain our heading.

Joy Where Forbidden - 6/15/14

Many promises for Christians will appear ludicrous to those not following Jesus. Case in point: Peter promises that Christ's disciples are "filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy."

Christians find within themselves joy and hope where it should be forbidden. When those close to us die, when we hear the scary word "cancer," when we loose our job, et al., joy should be forbidden.

But then the mysterious presence of the Holy Spirit in each Christian's life breathes joy and hope to their heart, mind and soul. It is inexpressible. It is glorious. It really should not be there. But it is.

Who Are You? 6/8/2014

Come up with a list of 10 different answers to the following question: "Who are you?"

Understanding who you are is a compass for your life. This understanding guides and motivates.

Peter was one of the 12 men that spent three years following Jesus everywhere and learning from Him. One important lesson learned is the answer to this question: "Who are you?"

Peter seeks to get all of our attention, with all our diversity, because he has one message for all of us. He says that we have all been chosen by God to receive the same power-filled gift: The gift of your identity. The gift of knowing who you are, what you are for, what brings you true peace, joy, hope, meaning. You have all been chosen by God to know who you are.

(This message recording is bilingual)

The Basics of the Christian Faith 6/1/14

This is a message with a simple purpose: State clearly what are the basics of the Christian Faith. What does it mean to be Christian? How does one become a Christian?

"This is God’s command: to believe in the name of Jesus Christ. Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."