Paragon Church

Why should we be involved in Biblical Community? Why is connection such a big part of the Christian walk? Why is "I can't do life alone" one of the five core values of Paragon Church? Join us as we look at the importance of Fellowship and Connection within the body of Christ.

Why give to God? When we realized ALL that we have has been given to us by God, we must conclude that we should give God all that we are. We belong to God and He is worthy to give our time, talent, and treasures to.

Every disciple of Christ is normally and naturally involved in evangelism as much as in Bible study, prayer, and corporate worship. From the brand new Christian to the long time follower of Christ, sharing the gospel is necessary and integral to a growing life in Christ. But Why? From the message: Evangelism and Discipleship are intrinsically wrapped up in the hope of the gospel Jesus changes lives for the Glory of God.

We all give our devotion, attention and focus to something.... why should that "something" be our God before anything else? Why worship God?

Have you ever wondered why Christians eat a tiny wafer and drink wine or grape juice during a church service? Why does it matter? Why take communion?

Merry Christmas! The wait is over - God with us BRINGS JESUS!

When it comes to Christmas, there are certain thoughts and expectations that surround us during this season. Books, movies, and the traditions of the holidays promise all things can be made right and complete through the magic of the season. That completeness will bring peace. Our hearts are desperate for this peace but the truth is, it is only found in Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:10 records... But the angel said to them, Dont be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that will be for all the people... Jesus has come. Light has overcome the darkness. We can find joy in that no matter our circumstances.

Throughout our entire history, we humans have been inspired, moved, confused, intrigued and motivated by love; trying, somehow, to understand and experience it. It is a part of us. Love is at the very core of our being and our existence. Truth is, Gods love, is woven through the story of our lives... and it is woven throughout all of HIS STORY.... When God stepped down from Heaven to Earth for us, we see His Love on full display.

The Classic Christmas Hymn "O Holy Night" has that amazing phrase... "A Thrill of Hope" found right in the middle of it... Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till he appeard and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. The text tells us that the world was waiting, longing, pining for something, as it sat entangled in "sin and error." My guess is you can relate to that feeling when you know that your life is off track, when you know youre going the wrong direction, when you know that you arent living either as you or as God wants you to live, when you know that life seems unfulfilling - that you have built your life on that shaky foundation you dont find joy staying where you are. You are longing, hoping, pining for some way to get out of the pit. This is the state of the whole world, waiting on God-in-the-flesh in Jesus Christ. And then a thrill of hope. Were weary, but rejoicing: morning is breaking, and the Light has come to

Jesus, THE TRUTH, is THE ONLY FOUNDATION we should build our lives upon. Matthew 7:24-29.

In Matthew 7:13-23 Jesus brings us to a choice. Live for Him or not. YOUR CHOICE - Narrow gate or broad one? YOUR CHOICE - False Prophets or the Truth? (vs 24-27 - next week) - YOUR CHOICE - build on the rock or build on the sand. As the sermon on the mount comes to a close, application abounds - what will you choose?

"Whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them" (Matthew 7:12) - In response to God's gracious goodness, treat others as you want to be treated.

Matthew 7:1 says... "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged." This is a verse found in the Sermon on the Mount that it seems every sinner knows. Whenever someone needs to be corrected in their life or in their thinking, this is too often the first response, judge not. - but are they right in their interpretation of this teaching of Jesus or have they taken it out of context?

We have arrived at Matthew 6:25-34 - where Jesus says "Don't worry about your life" - tying that statement together with the previous statement of "you can't serve two masters" - so the question is... why do we worry? We all know it is counter-productive - we all know it doesn't lengthen our lives - we all know it actually hurts our health and may even shorten our lives - in the very least it sucks the joy out of life... so why do we do it anyway?

Life is a series of choices and decisions we make. These decisions shape our character and guide where we end up in the future. With every "fork in the road" we must ask ourselves... "which path will I take?" - Will I "invest" my time, energy, and finances into (A) or (B)? A, God, or B, the world? A, right, or B, wrong? A, light, or B, darkness? A, eternal treasures, or B, earthly treasures? They are tough questions with potentially eternal consequences. What will we choose to invest in?

In Matthew 5, we saw Jesus challenge the teachings of the Pharisees... in Matthew 6, we see Him challenge the hypocritical practices of the Pharisees... including prayer. He calls out the hypocrisy of the religious when they pray as well as the emptiness of the pagans when they pray. Instead of praying "like them" be sincere, be real, be honest, be thoughtful and be aware of Who you are praying to.

There is a question we should continually ask ourselves when we "do good works" - that question is... why am I doing them? It is from the desire to honor and glorify God in everything I do... or is it my desire to receive glory and praise for myself? Looking at Matthew 6 (1-8 and 16-18) Jesus looks at three things that that religious do, but with what motivation?

In this world, revenge is king. We don't just want to get even, we want to get ahead. In Matthew 5:38-48 there is a FLIPPED way of living that Jesus presents to those who follow Him... Don't respond to personal insult. Give more than asked. Go the second mile. Love your neighbor as yourself.

In Matthew 5:21, Jesus begins a section of the sermon on the mount where He is correcting the misinterpretation of Old Testament Law. The Pharisees were about the outward actions (murder, adultery, divorce, etc) but Jesus said it goes deeper than the exterior. We have to look at the root cause - the heart. Murder starts with anger in the heart. Adultery starts with lust in the heart. Divorce starts with a wrong heart towards marriage. This week we look at empty promises that start with a heart lacking integrity, truthfulness and character. Matthew 5:33-37