Decked Out to Sold Out! Today Pastor Michael is continuing his study on Joseph and his crazy family situation.  The story picks up with Joseph searching for his brothers, who have moved their flock to Dothan and let’s just say they that when he found them, they weren’t exactly glad to find him!  His brothers took off his coat (the special one that, as his Dad’s favorite, was given only to him) and cast him into a pit.  They then plotted to sell Joseph to the Midianites and sold him for 20 pieces of silver and the traders took him to Egypt. Sold out!   Joseph had to feel he was doing right, following what God wanted him to do and then it all fell apart.  What then? What about those down-in-the-hole moments, when we’re dealing with ruination of our plans? Three things to consider when it seems like everything is going wrong: The presence of God.  Did God leave Joseph?  No, God was just as present as he would EVER be. The promises of God.  It looks bad, but the promises of God are just as true in the bad times as they are in the good times. The provision of God.  A dead-end can be a portal.  Bad times can be portends to good times.   Realize, God is always the same and never leaves us.  Good times or bad. Like Joseph, there is much more to your story than where you are at, right now, today!  Trust God while you’re in the hole and God will come through! Today’s verses are found in Genesis 37: 12-36.

ReCreate Church's Podcast

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, October 17, 2021

The Truth or a Lie.  Pick One! Today Billy Huneycutt is giving a message on Truths or Lies.  His message centers around the disciples being in a boat with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee when a storm comes up and tosses the boat violently.  Jesus, however, is sleeping through this storm when His disciples awaken him.  Jesus calms the storm and His followers are amazed, yet fearful of both the storm and His powers to quell it!  It showed Jesus’ unlimited power of the natural world. No matter how bad the storm was, the truth was in the back of the boat! (CSB Baker Illustrated Bible Study Notes) This account is replete with details reminiscent of eyewitness experience. The Sea of Galilee is surrounded by steep hills and mountains, and the confluence of cold air from Mount Hermon to the north and hot air rising from the sea can produce squalls of hurricane force. As Jesus and the disciples proceed eastward across the lake, their boat is seized by such a storm (4:35–37). Fearing death, the disciples rouse Jesus from sleep in the stern and reproach him (4:38). Jesus then rebukes the wind and the sea (4:39). The Greek words for “rebuke,” “silence,” and “be still” frequently occur in Hellenistic exorcism accounts. By describing the quelling of the storm in the language of exorcism, Mark portrays Jesus as the Strong One (1:7; 3:37) who vanquishes Satan and evil forces. At the word of Jesus, calm replaces chaos. Ironically, the disciples are more terrified by the power of Jesus than by the terror of the storm (4:41). “Who then is this?” they ask. This is the question not only before the disciples but also before Mark’s readers: will their experience of Jesus lead to faith (4:40) or to fear and doubt? (Gospel Transformation Study Bible Notes) It is a great source of encouragement for followers of Jesus to remember who they serve: the triune Creator of this universe. The power of the eternal Son protects and guides with utter reliability, even in great distress.  If we have fears, uncertainty or doubt we need to place our trust in Jesus.  The truth is, Jesus won’t forsake us.   Today’s verses are found in Mark 4: 35-41.

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, October 10, 2021

Dreams. Today Pastor Michael is talking about dreams.  We all have them, we all think of things we want.  With the weirdness that is the pandemic, we’ve seen some of our dreams delayed; in fact some have disappeared!  But, dreams persist and if you partner a dream with the Lord, it can become a vision. Michael says this deeply and wants you to know this: God cares about you deeply.  No matter what, what the situation, what’s going on, what life brings, anything: The Lord cares about you and has a plan for you, a vision for you and, yes, even a dream for you! Today we’ll learn about Joseph and his dreams.  His dreams were both literal and plans from the Lord dreams.  Little did he know that those dreams cost him everything and brought him everything! Joseph is starting, at this point in his life, to have dreams from the Lord.  And these dreams speak of sheaves of grain and the sun, moon and stars bowing down to him.  Needless to say, when he tells that to his brothers, they hate him for it.  And even his father rebukes him for telling of these dreams.   His dream does represent God’s will for him.  He will rise to become one of the most powerful people in the world in time.  But he, at the time, only sees part of the story.  He cannot see everything that is coming.  When God gives you a dream or a vision, we love the idea of the highs, not the lows.  Joseph saw what would happen but not the process needed to get there.   Having a goal is big, having a goal you feel the Lord gives you is even bigger.  Paying the price for the Lord’s vision is the highest goal there is.  Dare to ask God for a vision bigger than yourself! Today’s verses are found in Genesis 37: 5-10.

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, October 3, 2021

That’s Not Fair! Today Pastor Michael is asking the question, “Is life fair?”.  What is one of the first phrases kids learn?  “That’s not fair!”.   Life can feel unfair, except when things are going our way.  Then, life is fair.  It’s all a matter of perspective.    How do we define fairness?  Fairness is freedom from bias, dishonesty or injustice.  When we’re fair, we’re guided by truth, reason and justice. Unfortunately, as much as we try, we cannot make everything fair.  We have to live in a world where unfairness does happen.  So we’re heading to the Old Testament in Genesis to look at Joseph and his brothers.  The story of Jacob and his numerous wives and concubines is strange enough but the net result is a fractious family of epic proportions.  Four moms, thirteen kids and that’s just the summary! In that mix comes jealousy and rivalry over Joseph.  Joseph is the favorite kid and everybody knows it.  The first son of Rachael, the only wife that Jacob loved, creating jealousy amongst the brothers.  Add to it, Joseph snitches on his brothers, a reason not really given in the Bible, and this went over about as well as you think!  Now, the other brothers literally hate Joseph!  Jacob further contributes to this controversy by giving Joseph a really colorful tunic, just adding fuel to the fire! Thats Not FAIR!   So, at this point, even though Joseph will ultimately be the hero of this story, it’s far easier to relate and empathize with his brothers!  Our main theme of all of this is, life will always be a little unfair.  What can we do about that?  How are we going to respond? When unfairness makes our life harder, let’s use the opportunity to grow in resilience and wisdom. When unfairness actually makes our life easier, let’s use it to grow in gratitude and awareness of our blessings. Next week, we’ll continue the story on Joseph, so stay tuned! Today’s verses are found in Genesis 37: 1-4. 

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, September 26, 2021

Seasons. Today Nick Dowdy is standing in for Pastor Michael and covering the topic of “Seasons”. Here, Nick means seasons not in the meteorological sense but rather different periods of our lives.  More than the highs (peaks) and lows (valleys) of our lives but all of the time that the Lord has lessons for us during these times. Nick broke out the seasons as: Hardship and Trials.  Everyone has them.  The Lord uses them for us to learn to trust, learn to adapt, learn to lean on others…there are so many things but Nick references John 16:33 and Romans 8:28 as verses relevant to these trials in our lives.  Growth and Cleansing.  After we come out of the tunnel of hardship and trials we get to cleansing and growth.   Thriving and Happiness.  After growth, the fun part starts.  The season we all wish would be our permanent season, things seem to be going right.  James 1: 17 is a verse used here by Nick that shows every good gift comes from God.  We need to be careful, complacency creeps in during the Thriving and Happiness season.  So we have to ensure God does not take a backset during these times.  Protect your fire with God and don’t forget who gave you the gifts during the good times! Lastly, Nick brings up the importance of taking an inventory of the seasons of our lives.  Take notes and remind yourself of what the Lord has done to help you, assist you during these times so that we don’t forget.  Don’t forget the lessons and the hope you experienced during these seasons.   All seasons help us to understand who we are and our place within the Lord’s kingdom.  

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, September 19, 2021

At the Crossroads of Faith and Patriotism Today Pastor Michael is reflecting on faith and patriotism, entirely fitting at the twentieth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the United States.  Some liken faith and patriotism to being nearly the same thing, but are they?  So we begin our journey at that, the crossroads of faith and patriotism. God has given us a responsibility to both heaven and our nation.  Taking our bible verse, one step at a time, we notice God is talking to “His” people.  Not limited to one nation or one group of people.  2nd Chronicles 7: 14 appeals to us, not first as citizens of an earthly nation but as the citizens of Heaven, interceding for an earthly nation. Next, “will humble themselves”.  God tells His people to humble themselves. That one is a little tougher.  Humility is never easy.  Followers of Jesus have always been the underdogs, but our greatest power comes from our humble trust in the Lord.  If we do not humble ourselves, we are going to BE humbled. “…and pray to seek My face,…”. If the Lord has put us in a position to participate in steering our nation, we should do so.  Remember, the first and most important way to influence our nation: Pray and seek His Face. “…and turn from their wicked ways…”.  When the Lord tells us to turn from our wicked ways, he’s NOT just talking to unbelievers.  It truth, revival always and forever begins with a remnant of real believers who finally get heartbroken enough over this own spiritual poverty to cry out to God in repentance.   “..then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  When God’s people seek Him and pray and repent, He will bless the land where they live.  This isn’t limited to YOUR land…it’s on a national scale.  When God’s people turn to Him, He blesses the nation.   We are at the crossroads of Faith and Patriotism and find this truth: if we really want good things for our nation, the most powerful thing we can do is humble ourselves and pray, seeking God’s face and turn from our wicked ways.   Our nation needs Jesus people to engage in the political process, but even more to engage in the spiritual process.  Today’s bible verse is found in 2nd Chronicles 7: 14

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, September 12, 2021

Happily Ever After. Today Pastor Michael is wrapping up the “End Times” series, the twelfth and final message.   Today we pick back up with New Jerusalem and John the Apostle gets a glimpse of a river, the Water of Life.  Growing around that river is the Tree of Life.  Although spread over a vast distance, it is spoken of as a singular tree.  We’ve seen the Tree of Life before…it was in the Garden of Eden! Verse 3 says there will be no more curse on humanity from sin and Verse 4 says we will see the Face of God and His Name will be written on us.  In Verse 5 we find that there will be no more darkness and Verses 6 remind us how important it is that we understand these truths and apply them to our lives.   (CSB Baker Illustrated Bible Study Notes) 22:1–5. John’s attention turns to the surroundings and landscape of the city. He beholds a glorious paradise of overflowing streams and fruit-bearing trees where there is no longer any curse (22:1–3). Like the garden of Eden (Gn 2:5–6) prior to the fall of Adam, this new Eden is unblemished by sin or the curse of suffering, toil, and death (Gn 3:4–19). Yet the new Eden is much more than a return to a prefall state; it exceeds the old garden in glory and splendor. The last verses of Revelation 22 serve as a fitting conclusion for the whole Bible.  Verses 18-19 warn us not to add or take away from the Word.  We can’t pick and choose which parts of the Bible we will accept and which parts we reject.   The Bible represents the whole truth.   (Disciple's Study Bible Notes) 22:18-19 HOLY SCRIPTURE, Inspired—The God who breathed into each of his messengers the words of revelation declared that no one is to add to or take from his words. They are subject to God’s judgment if they do. The revelation of God is not to be altered, tampered with, or distorted. The book of Revelation is thus consciously presented as sacred Scripture. Revelation 22: 20 is one of Pastor Michael’s favorite sayings, “He Who testifies these things says, Surely I am coming quickly. Amen! Even so, come Lord Jesus!”. We live in times that are difficult and frustrating.  It feels harder than ever to live for God and the values of the Kingdom.  We might even suffer for our loyalty to Jesus.  But it is worth it.   This whole study on the “End Times” should show us that living for Jesus is worth it.  The Endgame is GLORY in the end! Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 22:  1-17  and 1 Corinthians 13: 12.  

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, September 5, 2021

Heaven on Earth Today Pastor Michael is finishing up the series on the End Times and in it he is examining the New Jerusalem, a city which will descend from heaven onto the earth.  It will literally be heaven on earth! In this new city, there will be twelve gates, the famous “Pearly Gates”.  The city is built on twelve foundations, named after the twelve Apostles.  Suffice to say, this place will be gorgeous and breathtakingly beautiful! The dimensions of New Jerusalem are staggering, even by today’s standards.  1,500 miles wide by 1,500 miles long and, yes! 1,500 miles high!! There will be no Temple, no center of worship. God and Jesus will be the temple! And it won’t need light, there will be no more darkness.  Leaders will all get along in perfect harmony, centered around the Lord and His People. So there we have it: Revelation is full of plagues and disasters but when it gets better, it gets SO MUCH BETTER! Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 21: 10 - 26. ***Important Note—Listeners to today’s podcast heard Rachel Collins give a moving update on the ministry she works at in Haiti, the Christian Academy of Petit-Goave.  Hearing the stories of the children down there, in such dire circumstances due to Haiti’s political instability as well as a series of natural disasters, makes us appreciate there resiliency and optimism of them.  Their website is www.capghaiti.org.  If you have a moment, please look at their website and, if you feel called to help them, please follow up on their website.  Thank you!*** 

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, August 29, 2021

Lives Being Changed. Today Pastor Michael is turning over the microphone to David and Luci Boudreaux who are giving their story and testimony.  They tell the story of how the Gospel of Jesus changed their lives!  From drugs and spiritual darkness to new life! Content Warning: The story deals with some difficult topics, including drug use and sexual abuse, so cultivate your audience before listening!

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, August 22, 2021

All Things New Today Pastor Michael is continuing the story on the “End Times” and it has come to the point where New Jerusalem is appearing.  (ESV Study Bible Notes) The removal of the first heaven and earth eliminates the fatal infection of evil in the cosmic order and gives way to God’s creation of a new cosmic order where sin and suffering and death are forever banished. (ESV Study Bible Notes) The holy city, new Jerusalem (cf. Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22–24), the church redeemed by Jesus Christ, will no longer be trampled by nations (Rev. 11:2) but rather, will be adorned as a bride.  “It is done!”   Finally everything will be done.  All the work will be finished.  It will be time to celebrate!  And this is available to ANYONE that wants to trust in Jesus to give it! It’s not that those who overcome will be saved, but rather those who are saved will overcome.  This is about faith that is real.   We cannot end this story without a truth that affects those that do not believe.  A fate that God does not want for anyone, and that Jesus laid down His life to give a way to avoid, but those that do not believe will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 21: 8). The choice is up to us and God gave us that choice and the new world will be an amazing place.  Eternity will be unbelievable…we will be in eternal fellowship with the Lord! Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 21: 1-8 and 2 Peter 3: 11.    

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, August 15, 2021

Judgment Day Today Pastor Michael is finishing up the series on “The End Times”.  So far we’ve been deep into the last days with the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium and now, the Judgment.  This message is about the Judgment Day, when our choices will determine our eternal experience.   This is it. The last stop. Judgment Day. The Day of Destiny. The Day when people stand before God. This is The Great White Throne.  I cannot emphasize enough that we don’t want anyone to end up at this point. You might have met some religious folks along the way who seemed almost excited at the idea of people facing judgment. That does NOT reflect God’s heart or ours.  2 Peter 3:9 says The Lord isn’t willing that anyone should perish, but that all should repent. 1 Timothy 2:4 says God wants everyone to be saved and understand the truth. And John 3:16 says For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  God the Father sent Jesus the Son to pay The Price so nobody will have to face this Judgment Day. Nevertheless, He leaves the choice up to us.  As Michael  has often said in our study of the End Times, it’s not his purpose to scare you. He wants to show you that you don’t have to be scared. God gives us each the ability to choose. We can choose LIFE. We can choose Jesus. We can choose the way of escape.  Here is the bottom line. We will all stand before God one day. You get to choose. Do you want to try to make the case before God that you have been perfectly righteous? Or do you want to rely on the Righteousness of Christ? That’s the choice. Let’s make the choice.  Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 20: 7-15, 2 Corinthians 5: 10, 2 Peter 3: 9 and 1 Timothy 2: 4.   

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, August 8, 2021

The Millennial Kingdom, Part 1 Today Pastor Michael is continuing the series, “The End Times” with a discussion on the Millennial times.  This is the 1,000 years of peace during the End Times.  This period comes right after the Tribulation.  During this time Satan is held in a  bottomless pit during the 1,000 years and thus starts the “First Resurrection”.  This concept marries the spirit of a believer that goes to be with Jesus with their body being remade into perfection so that we can experience all that Jesus wants us to.  This first resurrection began with Jesus, continues with the Rapture where the dead believers are raised and concludes the raising of the Tribulation Saints.  At this point, every believer of all time has been raised. There is a “Second Resurrection” which Pastor Micheal will cover next week, but for now, we’ll discuss this Millennial Kingdom. There are many promises that will be fulfilled, most notable are: Christ will be King of the Earth in Perfect Peace and Prosperity. 2 Samuel 7: 10-13, Psalm 2: 8, Isaiah 2: 2-4, Ezekiel 37: 24, Daniel 7: 9-14, Luke 1: 32-33 and 1 Corinthians 6: 2. Earth Restored Like Eden.  Isaiah 11: 6-9, 32: 13-15, 35: 7, 1-2, 65: 25 and Ezekiel 34: 25-30. Israel will be Regathered and Established in the Promised Land.  Isaiah 2: 2-4, Amos 9: 14, Zechariah 8: 3 and Malachi 3: 1-3. Pure Worship in a Restored Temple.  Ezekiel 37: 26-28 and chapters 40-48. Supernaturally Good Health and Long Life. Isaiah 33: 24, 35: 5-6, 65: 20-23 and Ezekiel 47: 12.  We serve a God that keeps His promises! Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 20: 1-6, plus those listed above in the Promises section of the Millennial Kingdom, plus the verse that guides us through all of this: 2 Peter 3: 11.

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, August 1, 2021

Renewal Out of Tribulation.  Today Pastor Michael is continuing the series on the “End Times” and we’re examining the last seven judgements, the Seven Bowls, also known as “The Seven Bowls of Wrath”.  These are exceptionally bad times, to put it mildly! The wraths inflicted are: Terrible sores Oceans turn to blood Blood to drink Sun becomes scorching Supernatural darkness Armageddon being prepared. Thunder and hail.  “It is finished”. It is difficult to say when the seventh bowl is used but it looks like it will be during the time of the Tribulation and the second coming of Christ.  After seven years of the AntiChrist, the King of Kings rides in on a white horse. He is coming as a conquering King and coming for a Crown!  Tribulation births renewal.  When we go through hard times, when the flames pass over us in the Tribulation, or now in our present lives, it will be so that something new and better can grow.  His name is Jesus. Do you know Him?   Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation 16: 1-21 and 19: 11-16.  Recreate Church is looking for volunteers for our children’s ministry.  If this is an area you can help with, please contact the church via our webpage at www.recreatechurch.org  

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, July 25, 2021

Revelation and the End Times (continued)… Today Pastor Michael is continuing the “End Times” study.  We are now in the Tribulation period and part of the story of the things we go through in life is our struggles send us seeking God’s grace, something immediately tangible during the Tribulation.  Michael covers two of the three 7’s: the 7 seals and the 7 trumpets.  The 7 bowls will be covered next week.  It goes without saying, during the Tribulation, times are going to be rough.  There will be crazy, earth-wide events (judgments) that people will be placed under.  Conquest, war, famine and massive death.  Hail, massive fire, water pollution. Not a neat place to be.  Yet through it all, in spite of all of the literals signs that everyone will be living, there will be those that still do not repent.  John speaks of this specifically in Revelation 9: 20-21. But, as Christians, we know this: when everything seems out of control, God IS in control.   (CSB Baker Illustrated Bible Study Notes) The message of Revelation has an enduring relevance for Christians of our century as well as the first. It is a profoundly theological book that uses symbols, metaphor, and figurative language from the OT Scriptures and the cultural traditions of the Greco-Roman world to speak about God and salvation. Though much of Revelation unveils how the Roman Empire perpetuates evil through its military, its social patronage system, and the imperial cult, these very same issues of violence, economic injustice, and idolatrous religious practice are just as cogent for the modern church that engages evil today as it was for the ancient Christian movement. Today’s bible verses are found in Revelation Chapters 6 through 12 as well as emphasis on Chapter 9: 20-21.  

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, July 18, 2021

God turns Tribulation into Redemption. Today Pastor Michael is back inside our church for the first time in well over a year, our last meeting was March 15, 2020!  So, we’re all pretty excited about that!  And we’re back!  Today, we’re talking tribulation; both the Great Tribulation in a continuum of our “End Times” series, plus the tribulations we live daily.  And today we’re talking about Daniel’s prayer and vision of the seventy weeks.  This prophesy is about Israel in the end times, the Tribulation.  Michael outlines the purpose of the Tribulation is six (6) examples, which are outlined below, in a section from MacArthur’s Notes. (MacArthur Study Bible Notes (ESV)) This highly complex and startlingly accurate prophecy answers Daniel’s prayer, not with reference to near history, but by giving the future of Israel in the final end of the age. God promises two sets of three accomplishments each. First, those related to sin are: 1) finish the transgression, i.e., restrain sin and Israel’s in particular in its long trend of apostasy, as in v. 11 2) put an end to sin, i.e., to judge it with finality (cf. Heb. 9:26); and 3) atone for iniquity, signifies to furnish the actual basis of covering sin by full atonement, the blood of the crucified Messiah who is “cut off ” (Dan. 9:26), which affects the first two realities (cf. the fountain, Zech. 13:1). Second, those accomplishments related to righteousness are: 1) bring in . . . righteousness, the eternal righteousness of Daniel’s people in their great change from centuries of apostasy; 2) seal both vision, i.e., no more revelation is needed and God will bring these anticipations to completion by their fulfillment in Israel’s blessing as a nation; and 3) anoint a most holy place, consecrate the Holy Place in a temple of the future that will be the center of worship in the millennial kingdom (cf. Ezek. 40–48). Clearly this must be understood to sweep to the end of Gentile power and the time of Antichrist right before Christ’s return. Summing up, the first three are fulfilled in principle at Christ’s first coming, in full at his return. The last three complete the plan at his second advent. So, it is a bit math centric and a bit complicated but the enduring message here is Daniel prayed in faith for the Lord to deliver Jerusalem.  And Gabriel’s message to Daniel was simple and striking. 483 years – that is, 69 units of seven years – would pass from the time of the command recorded in Nehemiah 2:1-8 until the appearance of Messiah the Prince.   Next week, we’ll be in Revelation where Pastor Michael will continue the series on the “End Times”. Today’s bible verses are found in Daniel 9: 24-27 and 2 Peter 3: 11.

Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, Sunday, July 11, 2021

Based in Hillsville, Virginia, this is the podcast of ReCreate Church. We are a community of Life and Love.

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