Bob Highlands' Messages

Now Available

Open Your Heart To God's PLAN
Text Luke 1.26-38
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December 4, 2011

What does it take for you to discover God's PLAN for your life? Every person who calls upon God to forgive their sins and to become a follower of Jesus needs to know that God has a plan for their life. This message shows you the first step to upgrading your life and reviving your spiritual relationship with God. Take the first step by learning how to experience the Presence of God, the Language He speaks, what he wants to Ask you, and the power of the Name of Jesus.

Open Your Heart To God's PROMISES
Text Luke 1.39-45
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December 11, 2011

Which of God's Promises can you apply to your life? The Bible is full of promises, from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation, they appear over and over. God's first promise was to return humanity to fellowship after the fall and sins of Eve and Adam. This came into fullness when Mary was found to be with God's promised child. We need to know what conditions come with God's promises and what we need to do to claim these promise for ourselves. Pastor Bob also gives a list of items you can do to make it a better Christmas season.

Open Your Heart To God's PRESENCE
Text Luke 2.8-20
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December 18, 2011

What would happen to you if you really experienced the [presence of the Living God? The world is so negative it is hard to believe that anyone ever hears any good news. In fact the world is negative because people share more bad news than they do good news. How can the believer change this and be a greater influence on the world? Pastor Bob share the need for a personal experience and a deeper relationship with God and His son Jesus. Much like the shepherds that were visited by angels we need to experience the presence of God in our live. The challenge at the end of this message is one that could change the world, and your life.

Virtual Christianity - The Mormons
Part ONE
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How can we make a decision about the Mormon Question?  They prefer to be called "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." They say in their public statements that they are Christians, yet the questions remain. Ministers don't even agree about their status in the Christian community. Are they just another denomination or branch or Christianity or are they a cult group as some claim? This first part will look at Mormon history and their basic beliefs. It will answer one simple question, Are Mormons Christians?

Virtual Christianity - The Mormons
Part TWO
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What defines a cult and how is a group defined as a Christian cult?  Pastor Bob takes a look at the Mormon belief system as it compares to traditional Christianity and the Word of God (the Bible). He examines the 11 warning signs of a cult as they would relate to the Mormon teachings and then compares the teachings of the Mormon church with the teachings of Christianity side by side. In the end you will be able to make a clear determination if Mormons are Christians and if they are part of a Christian cult.

Watch OUT!
Can you tell the difference between Prophets?
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When is the last time you saw a false prophet? It may have been more recent than you thought. Pastor Bob shares about prophets and preachers and a warning from Jesus. Jesus was very frank when he warned his disciples to WATCH OUT for false prophets. We may live in a modern world but we are not free from those who would preach for pride, power and fame instead obedience to Jesus. Learn the three types of prophets, how to spot a false prophet and what your response is suppose to be. The consequences are greater than you may think.

Life On The VINE
Which do you prefer to be cut or pruned?
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Why would God want to remove anything from the life of the believer? Many Christian believers don't want God interfering with their lives except to answer their prayer request. The truth of the matter is that God wants to be part of every part of our lives and even want to decide what remains and what needs to be removed. When Jesus spoke of the vine and the branches he also spoke about the Gardener. This gardener will either cut or prune the live of every believer. What does God want to do in your life.

Life's Interruptions
What do you do with your next interruption?
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Will your next life interruption be a moment of growth or will it stop you in your tracks. You can prepare for life's interruptions. Paul wrote to an early church and helped them prepare for life's interruptions. We need to know the difference between internal and external changes and make plans to see that both become part of our lives. Jesus new how to deal with life's interruptions. Take time to prepare and get ready for the unexpected by applying these biblical principals to your life.

The Washing Of Water
Should you consider being baptized?
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Water baptism is practiced by all braches of the Christian church. Learn the Jewish history of water baptism. Discover why people need to be baptized and why some in the Bible were not allowed to be baptized. Does it matter if you are baptized as an adult or child? by being sprinkled or immersed? What happens to your sins when they are washed away? Pastor Bob helps the believer discover and understand the practice of water baptism.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Part ONE
What is the enemies battle plan and
how should we respond to it?
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Secrets that enemy does not want you to know.
Since the first battle was fought in the garden and the enemy won each person has had to face the same tactics. The enemy has not changed is basic plan of attack since the beginning. It was the same plan of attack he used against Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus won and shows us how to defeat the enemy. This message lays out the foundational materials you need to understand the enemies plans and how to defeat him over and over.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Part TWO
What is the enemies battle plan and
how should we respond to it?
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Learning how to choose the right path.
The enemy is always trying to get the believer to take a wrong turn. His goal to get you so out of the will of God that you will give up and not try any more. The Bible has clear directions we need to follow if we are going to live happy and successful lives. God wants us to be happy. There are clear steps we can take to remain in the will of God. Do you know what they are or are you just hoping that you are getting it right. This message will help you in the spiritual battles you find yourself in everyday.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Part THREE
What is the enemies battle plan and
how should the CHURCH respond to it?
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How is the church involved in the Spiritual Battle?
The church has always been a key part in God's Spiritual Battle Plan. Made up of the individual members together they are the backbone of the earthly kingdom. Each member has his or her place in the church. Each church has an individual personality that allows it to be a part of God's plan. This message explains the three key types of ministry a church can have and why every church needs to evaluate whether they are presenting a balanced ministry or are only doing part of what God has called them to do. Learn what the church has been called to do and how you are to be part of this divine plan.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Part FOUR
What is the enemies battle plan and
how should the CHURCH respond to it?
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What can a Christian do to get ready for spiritual Battles?  As individual members in God's army we need to be aware of the coming attacks and what we can do to get ready. The enemy has a well established battle plan. He used it against Eve and Adam. He used it against Jesus in the wilderness. He has used it throughout history against anyone and everyone he can. Paul wrote about what we need to do make preparations and defeat the enemy. You need to be ready. The question is not will the enemy attack you but will you be able to STAND your ground when he does?

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"Dealing with really BIG problems"
What the believer needs to do to have personal victory over the really big problems in their life.
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Old Testament principles for the New Testament believer?
We all know the story of the boy David and the giant Goliath. Yet do we know what that has to do with our living our lives to the fullest with personal victories? There is more to the story than just some underdog winning over the odds. It is an example of how we can deal with the giants, problems and situations in our life. Everyone needs to know how to deal with the really big problems.

"A Life Full Of Ditches"
Preparing your life to receive blessings from God
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This is an Old Testament principle that applies the the New Testament believer. Why do most people miss the blessing of God when they are going through hard times?
We all have to go through hard times. They come in all different forms. They may be physical, financial, emotional, spiritual. They may involve our family, job, church or even be a personal struggle. When these times come you need to know how to respond and tap into the resources God has available for you. There are five checks you can go through that will better prepare you to deal with tough times.

"Choosing your Focus"
The Attitude for living your daily life
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What is the right attitude for a Christian to have in a world that is so out of touch with the Word of God?
People who wear glasses know what it means to have the world out of focus. When they get up in the morning they have to put on their glasses to see clearly. That is part of the problem with the world that surrounds us. They are out of focus spiritually and cannot see clearly. It is the responsibility of the believer who has had their spiritual eyesight restored to help the non-believer see the need to choose to focus their lives so they can see God clearly. This message speaks to the role of the believer in helping make this possible.

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Living Out Loud for Jesus
A series of messages from
the Book of Philippians

"Living Out Loud"
Lesson ONE-Introduction
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What does it mean to Live Out Lour for Jesus?
People think that they want to be happy all the time. The truth is that you cannot be happy all the time but you can know what joy is throughout your life, even in the toughest times. Happy times are balanced out with the sad times. What does it take for you to discover what made Paul so successful and even joyous in the toughest time? He wrote to the church at Philippi to help them know how to approach life no matter what was happening. Pastor Bob shares why Paul challenged the church to rejoice no matter what was happening in their life.

"Whatever Happens"
Lesson TWO- When life Happens
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Will being a Christian make my life easier?
Does being a believer in Jesus as my personal savior mean that I will have fewer problems? Part of the problem that people face is that they have taken one scripture out of context and have given it a new meaning that God never intended. Follow along as Pastor Bob helps you understand what Paul was saying when he wrote, "I can do everything through Christ who give me strength." Learn the depth and real meaning of these words and how they can prepare you to live a fuller life. Learning how to prepare for WHATEVER HAPPENS will prepare you for the rest of your life.

"Understanding Jesus"
Lesson THREE- The Reason for Jesus
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Why would God want to come to earth and live as a human?
Jesus is God. It took the church over 400 years to figure this out and get it right. From this we know that God can do anything. Well there are three things God cannot do and in order to do these He would have to be come a human being. The question is why would he want to become a human to do them and why is it important to any of us. Pastor Bob shows us the three things God could not do that Jesus did and why. Then we can answer the question, Why did Jesus come here, anyway?"

"Keep Working on It"
Lesson FOUR- The Christian Life
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How should a person look at their life when it comes to salvation?
It can be controversial to some believers. They take their salvation as a get out of jail free card allowing the to do whatever they want. The question is when is a personal finally saved? This covers the question of the persons past when they got saved, their present where they are now in their relationship with God and the future where they are finally saved. Pastor Highlands looks at Paul's teachings that show that we are not finally saved until we stand in eternity and hear Jesus say "well done, come on in."

"STAND FIRM"
Lesson FIVE- The Local Church
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What qualities are present in a church that makes it a better place to attend and grow as a Christian?
It does not matter where your church is located there are qualities or attitudes that will help its members grow. Pastor Bob share what makes a church stronger and what you should look for when you attend a church. Even with the church and its beliefs under attack we can grow and mature in our relationship with Christ by attending and being part of a local church. Pastor Bob share five qualities every church needs.

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The Resurrection
A three part study covering
1 Corinthians 15

The TREASURE of "the Resurrection"
Part ONE of THREE
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Have you discovered the greatest treasure in the world?
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the foundational belief of all of Christianity. It is either the greatest event in human history or it is the greatest hoax ever committed. To understand the resurrection we will need to look at the value of it to the individual. In this first of three messages on the resurrection Pastor bob examines the testimony of those who have experienced the resurrection. This includes his own experience with the resurrection over 40 years ago.

The NEED for "the Resurrection"
Part TWO of THREE
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What would the Christian faith look like without the resurrection of Jesus form the dead?
To understand how important the resurrection of Jesus is we need to be able to answer three questions. 1. How important is "the Resurrection?"  2. What is the reason for "The Resurrection?"  3. When will I actually use "The Resurrection?"  This simple lesson by Pastor Bob answers these questions and applies them to the life of the believer.  Every believer needs to know and understand how "The Resurrection" of Jesus applies to their personal life.

"The Resurrection, WHAT NEXT?"
Part THREE of THREE
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Do you know what happens when you die?
That may sound a little strange, but the Bible is very clear about what happens to the body of a person when they die and what type of body they will have in eternity. The sting of death is a phrase that Paul uses to tell us about the point of transition between this life and the next. In this message Pastor Bob shares about what to expect and why the transition many be easier than you think it will be. Have you ever gotten a shot from a nurse who said, "Now this won't hurt?" This will help you understand what you will face when you leave this physical world and move on to the spiritual life that is waiting for you. Laugh and learn with Pastor Bob as he takes you on a brief visit to the other side.

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The End of Time
A three part study covering
Matthew 24 & 25

The End of Time
Part ONE- The Three Questions
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What can we learn about the end of time from Matthew 24?
Jesus' response to three questions his disciples ask him shows us more about the end of time than anywhere in scriptures. The greatest problem most people face when studying what Jesus taught here is what they already know. We will need to carefully look at what Jesus really said. What are the signs of the end of time? What can we expect before he returns? These questions are all answered by Jesus as he responds to his disciples.

The End of Time
Part TWO- A Thief in the Night
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What are the only real signs Jesus gave for the end of time? Most of the signs we thought were about the end of time were not, so what are the real signs of the end of time? Jesus is extremely clear about them and who knows about them. This simple message centers on Matthew 24.36-51 and answers the two questions. What are the signs of the coming of Jesus and What are the signs for the end of time.

The End of Time
Part THREE- Preparing for the unexpected
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How can you be ready for the unexpected return of Jesus? Jesus said there would be no signs. He said that God the father was keeping it a secret from everyone. He told us that when it happened it would be the biggest surprise since the flood that proved Noah right. So how do you prepare. Matthew 25 contains the directions left for us from Jesus explaining what we need to do to be ready. He also give some stern warnings to those who do not listen and think it is just enough to know his name and hang out with real believers. This message is aimed right at the heart of the believer and their relationship with Christ. ARE YOU READY? That is the question you will need to answer, and the sooner the better.

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The Scriptures
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Does the Bible have any real use to the believer who is surrounded by a reality that is so different than when the book was written? There are those who want us to believe that the message and directions within the Bible are outdated and do not have any relevance in our Modern world. This message focuses on four key reason any believer should read and apply the scriptures to their life. If these four principles are applied to the life of a believer they carry a great promise of divine intervention in particular hard and troublesome times. Learn about the two paths we have to choose from and what happens as you walk on each one.

The REAL Jesus
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What is the difference between the way the world sees Jesus and the way a believer sees him? Jesus asked his disciples who the people thought he was. The answer was a religious one that carried undertones that reach all the way into the 21st century. Then he asked them who they thought he was. The answer was in direct contrast to what everyone else around was saying. Each of us has to make the decision and answer the question "Who Is Jesus?" This message shows the clear contrast and allows you to decide for yourself.

Inside Out
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When People look at you do they see a true believer in Jesus or do they see a religious actor? Jesus had to deal with religious actors everyday. They wore all the right clothes, said all the right things, and completely missed knowing God. What does it take for a believer to live a life that is not a lie? How do you avoid becoming a religious actor or what Jesus called them, a Hypocrite? Take a few minutes and learn why the inside tells you more about the person than the outside does. You may be surprised to learn what it takes to live INSIDE OUT.

Gaining by Giving
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When the world pushes in and takes away our rest and quiet time how should we respond? God created everyone with a need to rest. He even made the first day after creating man and woman as a day of rest. As believers we often want to take the needed time to get away and recoup our energy, but often the pressures of the world stop this from happening. We can learn how to make these pressure situations into times when we are growing and getting closer to God. This message focuses on one key spiritual principle, "Give and it will be given back to you."

The Bible Puzzle
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Are there rules that I can follow that will help me interpret the Bible correctly? Pastor Bob shares four simple rules you need to be able to understand and interpret the Bible. He compares the Bible to a puzzle. The Bible has 774,746 words that are made up into 31,173 verses contained in 1,189 chapters in 66 books. Each verse is like a piece to a puzzle. Using these four simple rules your Bible study and learning can go to a whole new level and you will begin to assemble the Bible Puzzle to see the picture God has there for you.  

De-Cluttering Your LIFE
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What will happen if I deal with the clutter in my Life? Clutter comes in three forms. There is physical clutter or the things we own or the things that own us. There is emotional clutter that takes over our lives and will not let us serve God. There is spiritual clutter that takes the place of God and we think it is O.K. when it really is the worst kind of clutter. Pastor Bob wants to help you see the clutter in your life and help you take the steps necessary to deal with it as a Christian believer.  

Additional resources
Bob Marvel Operation Repo This 45 minute message on being consumed by what you own is one every Christian believer should watch. When do we move from being the consumer to being consumed? You will be surprised by the answer, and possibly changed in the process.

Zig Ziglar talks about setting Goals and what usually stops us.
Zig Ziglar Setting Goals 1 of 3 Setting Goals
Zig Ziglar Setting Goals 2 of 3 Takes on procrastination
Zig Ziglar Setting Goals 3 of 3 We all have a need for dreams.

Mark Driscoll Sinful Views of Sin This is just 9 minutes long but it has a great depth for the believer to consider when they define what is and is not sin for them and the people around them. If we define sin incorrectly we may actually be sinning ourselves.

The Apostles' Creed
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What can I learn about what I believe from a Creed? The Apostles' Creed was first used in the second century at the baptismal service for new believers. They were ask twelve questions from the creed that they had to respond in the affirmative to. Pastor Bob takes a look a the Apostles' Creed and examines how it can be used by a believer in the modern church of the 21st century.    PDF MESSAGE NOTES AVAILABLE HERE

The Hour We Spend Together
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When you leave church on Sunday do you say, WOW I am glad I was there?  Pastor Bob takes a look at the background of Worship and fellowship in the Early church. Then he turns to six choices ever congregation has to make when it comes to worship and how they will approach their life in the local community. He finished up with a look at the elements and events that they share together every Sunday morning as part of their worship service.    PDF MESSAGE NOTES AVAILABLE HERE

How to have a daily Bible reading & devotional plan
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What can you do to have a successful daily devotional and Bible reading plan?  Using the SOAP devotional plan and a personal LEVEL plan you can have a daily time in the Word of God that will strengthen your spiritual life. Pastor Bob shows you in this simple 10 minute lesson how to read the Bible and apply it to your life everyday. From choosing the right Bible to a step by step how to you will be ready to start digging into the word of God.  PDF MESSAGE NOTES AVAILABLE HERE

A Personal Contract With God
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What do I need to know about contract/covenants that will help me understand the Bible?  The Bible is designed to be read and understood. It comes with it's own rules and if you do not understand them you will find yourself confused and frustrated. This message will help you understand that there are two covenants that run from Genesis to Revelation. One covers everyone who does not know Jesus, the other covenant covers only those who have chosen Jesus as their personal savior.   PDF MESSAGE NOTES AVAILABLE HERE