bible study Archives | Core Church LA

Look Back and Level Up

Sometimes, the best way to move forward is by first taking a look back. That’s exactly what’s happening in Joshua 1:1-9. Moses, the great leader of Israel, had just passed away. Now it was Joshua’s turn. A brand new chapter was starting. But before he could step into it, he needed to remember what God had already done.

God told Joshua, “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise…” (v. 2). In other words, “It’s your time now. But don’t forget where you’ve come from.”

When we look back and level up, we gain strength for the road ahead. We remember God’s past faithfulness so we can face today’s battles with courage.

Look Back and Level Up with Purpose

Joshua had been Moses’ assistant. He had seen firsthand how God split the Red Sea. He had watched God rain down manna from heaven. And he had heard the law given at Mount Sinai. God had shown up over and over again. And now, Joshua stood on the edge of the Promised Land, and the Lord was calling him to lead the people forward.

But the task wasn’t small. It was huge. That’s why God reminded Joshua of His purpose and promise. “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you…” (v. 3). God had already planned the path—Joshua just needed to walk it out.

We need to do the same. When fear, doubt, or pressure hits, look back and level up. Remember how God helped you before. Stay focused on your purpose. If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now.

God Gives Strength When We Look Back and Level Up

Three times in this passage, God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” (v. 6, 7, 9). That wasn’t just a suggestion—it was a command. And it wasn’t just for Joshua. It’s for you too.

Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward even when fear shows up. And God gave Joshua the key: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night…” (v. 8). In other words, stay in God’s Word. Let it guide every step. Let it feed your strength.

When we stay close to Scripture, we grow strong on the inside. We gain wisdom. We start making decisions that honor God. And we level up to the next part of our calling.

Keep Moving Forward with Confidence

Joshua wasn’t just stepping into new land—he was stepping into a new season. A harder season. A higher level. And so are you.

The journey ahead won’t always be easy. But God’s Word makes one thing clear in verse 9: “Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

So take time today. Look back and level up. See how far God has brought you. Check your direction. Remember your purpose. And then get up and move forward in faith, knowing that the same God who led you before will keep leading you still.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Seeds of the Church

Every apple has a few seeds. You can count them pretty easily. But no one can count how many apples those seeds will produce over time. That’s how it is with the seeds of the church. You might only see what’s right in front of you. But God sees generations down the road. He sees the legacy.

This is what Paul was teaching young Timothy in 1 Timothy 4—that his life, teaching, and faith were not just for the people around him, but for those who would come after.

Don’t Underestimate the Seeds of the Church

Paul starts in 1 Timothy 4:1 by warning about the future. He says some people will walk away from the faith. They’ll listen to lies and follow wrong paths. That’s a hard truth. But Paul didn’t stop there. He said to train yourself for godliness (verse 7), and to stay focused on what really matters—preaching the truth and living it out every day.

Timothy was young. Some might’ve thought he didn’t have much to offer. But Paul told him not to let anyone look down on him because of his age. Instead, he said to be an example—in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.

This is where the seeds of the church take root. When believers live out their faith, others take notice. You may not preach from a pulpit, but your life preaches every day. And those small actions? They grow into something big.

Every Believer Can Plant Seeds

Paul reminded Timothy in verse 14 not to neglect the gift God gave him. God gives each of us spiritual gifts to build up the church. Whether you’re a teacher, a greeter, a musician, a helper, or a prayer warrior, your gift matters. But it only works if you use it.

Timothy’s job was to teach and preach. But he couldn’t just do it once and quit. Paul told him to be diligent, to keep growing, and to keep giving it his all. When you stay faithful to what God gave you, others will grow too. That’s how the church gets stronger—one seed at a time.

Think about this: someone planted a seed of faith in you. Maybe it was a parent, a pastor, or a friend. And now you get to plant seeds in others. You don’t always see the fruit right away. But just like an apple seed grows into a tree over time, your faith can grow in someone else and bear fruit for years—even long after you’re gone.

Your Legacy Starts Now

You don’t have to be famous to make a difference. You don’t need a big stage or a big following. All you need is a heart willing to obey God and help others grow in Him. That’s how Paul poured into Timothy. And that’s how Timothy poured into others. And now that faith has come all the way down to you and me.

The seeds of the church are still being planted today. So plant them well. Water them with prayer. Shine God’s love on them daily. Because only God knows how many lives will grow from one seed of faith.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Unsung Heroes of the Church

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Unsung Heroes of the Church

Every church has them—people who don’t stand on stage or hold a microphone, but without them, the church wouldn’t last a week. They are the unsung heroes of the church. Men and women who clean, cook, greet, teach kids, organize, pray, fix things, serve food, and serve people. They don’t do it for praise. They do it for Jesus.

From the Old Testament to the New, God highlights how much these faithful people matter.

The Wisdom of Jethro and the Strength of the Servants

In Exodus 18:14–22, Moses tried to do it all. Every person came to him for help, for judgment, for answers. But it was too much. His father-in-law Jethro stepped in and said, “Moses, this isn’t good. You will wear yourself out. Choose men who fear God, men of truth, who hate dishonest gain. Let them help you.”

That was the beginning of ministry delegation. Jethro didn’t say to pick popular men. He said to choose men of character. These men were faithful, honest, and humble. They feared God and wanted His will, not their own. They were unsung heroes of the church in the making.

The Early Church Knew It Too

Fast forward to Acts 6:2–4, and we see a similar problem. The early church was exploding in growth. People were getting saved daily. But the practical needs started piling up. Widows needed food. Tables needed serving. The apostles couldn’t do everything and still teach the Word and pray.

So they told the church to choose seven men—men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and full of wisdom. These weren’t leftovers. These were Spirit-filled men. God used them to handle the needs of the people so that the pastors could focus on preaching.

From Exodus to Acts, God raised up faithful men to support His work. These men were not seeking glory. They were seeking to glorify God.

Today’s Unsung Heroes Wear Many Hats

If you walk through any church today, you’ll see it’s not just the pastors or teachers who make things happen. It’s the volunteers, the greeters, the child care workers, the kitchen team, the tech crew, the prayer warriors. And yes—it’s often the women who are leading the way in faithful service.

In a lunch honoring our church servants, we looked around and saw it: three-fourths of them were women. Praise God for every man who serves. We need more. But we must also give thanks for the women who show up, serve hard, and never ask for applause.

They are the heartbeat of the church. They are the unsung heroes of the church.

Every Role Matters in God’s Plan

God’s design is clear. He raises pastors, elders, and teachers to lead. But He also raises men and women to do everything else that needs doing—and there’s a lot. These roles may look simple. They may go unnoticed. But God sees every act of service, and He honors it.

Don’t ever think your role is small. If you’re doing it for Jesus, it’s huge. Be faithful where God has placed you. You just might be one of the unsung heroes of the church.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

From High Schooler to Pastor

God loves to take ordinary people and do extraordinary things through them. The story of going from high schooler to pastor shows how God can transform a life when someone is willing to follow Him.

This Bible study is built on two powerful passages: 1 Timothy 3, which gives the character traits of a pastor, and Mark 1:17, where Jesus calls His first disciples with just a few words: “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

The Call of Jesus is Always Personal

In Mark 1:17, Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow Him. He didn’t ask them to fill out a form or go to Bible school first. He simply said, “Follow Me.” That’s exactly what He does today. He calls regular people, often in simple moments, and says, “Come with Me. I will change you.”

That’s what happened to one young man. He was just a high school student sitting in church when God touched his heart. He stood up, walked to the front, and gave his life to Christ. That moment changed everything.

The path from high schooler to pastor started with just one step of obedience.

God Looks for Open Vessels

That young man didn’t just stop at salvation. He got involved in the high school ministry. He showed up, listened, served, and started going on missions. SWAT trips—short for Students With A Testimony—took him all over the world. On those trips, he led others to Jesus.

God often chooses people who are open. That’s what Paul meant in 1 Timothy 3. The chapter lays out the qualities of someone who desires to be a pastor. He must be above reproach, faithful, humble, wise, gentle, and grounded in God’s Word. These are not things you get from a classroom—they grow in your life as you walk with Jesus daily.

From high schooler to pastor, the shaping happens in the small, faithful steps.

Mentorship Makes a Big Difference

That young man didn’t grow alone. Someone poured into him. He had a spiritual mentor who prayed with him, taught him, and took him under his wing. At the time, no one knew that young man would marry the mentor’s daughter and become family. But God knew.

That young man became a pastor at Harvest. Later, he and his wife moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where he planted a church called Jesus City Church just two blocks from Martin Luther King Jr.’s church on Dexter Avenue. From a storefront, they’ve reached so many people with the gospel.

God Still Calls and Equips

If God could take a young man from a church seat and send him into full-time ministry, He can do it again and again. Maybe He’s calling you. Or maybe you’re the one called to pour into someone else.

The journey from high schooler to pastor is never about ability—it’s about availability. Say yes to Jesus and see where He leads.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

When the Bible Predicts Perfectly

There’s no other book in history that predicts the future without missing a single detail. When the Bible predicts perfectly, it proves its divine authorship. God spoke through His prophets long before Jesus was born, and everything they said came true exactly.

Let’s look at four chapters—Isaiah 7, Isaiah 53, Isaiah 61, and Psalm 22—and see how they all point to Jesus with 100% accuracy.

Isaiah 7: God Promised a Sign

In Isaiah 7:14, God gave a powerful prophecy to King Ahaz. It said, “Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” This name means “God with us.”

Seven hundred years later, this prophecy came true when Jesus was born of a virgin. Matthew 1:22–23 confirms it. When the Bible predicts perfectly like this, it shows that God is outside of time. He knew what would happen, and He made sure we would know too.

Isaiah 53: The Suffering Savior

Isaiah 53 is one of the clearest pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament. It talks about someone who would be “despised and rejected,” “pierced for our transgressions,” and “led like a lamb to the slaughter.” Every verse speaks of pain, suffering, and sacrifice.

Jesus fulfilled all of this on the cross. He was rejected by His own people, was pierced in His hands and feet, and He died as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. There’s no doubt Isaiah was talking about Jesus.

This chapter alone shows that when the Bible predicts perfectly, we can trust it with our lives.

Psalm 22: The Cross Before the Cross

Psalm 22 was written by King David around 1000 B.C. But if you read it, it sounds like someone standing at the foot of the cross. It says, “They pierced my hands and my feet,” and “They divide my garments among them.” That’s exactly what happened to Jesus when He died (see John 19:23–24).

Back in David’s day, crucifixion didn’t even exist yet. But the Holy Spirit showed David what Jesus would face. Every word in Psalm 22 matches the events of Good Friday.

Isaiah 61: The Ministry Begins

Isaiah 61 talks about someone who will preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and free the captives. When Jesus stood up in the synagogue in Luke 4, He read from this exact chapter. Then He said, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Jesus knew this was written about Him. His ministry fulfilled this prophecy down to the detail. This shows again that when the Bible predicts perfectly, it gives us reason to believe.

When The Bible Predicts Perfectly

Every prophecy about Jesus’ first coming was fulfilled. His birth, His death, His resurrection—nothing was off. That’s why we can trust the Bible when it says He’s coming back again.

Jesus told us to repent, be alert, and be ready. If the Bible got it right once, it will get it right again. So don’t wait. Get right with God today and stay ready for what’s coming.

The message is simple: when the Bible predicts perfectly, we better pay attention.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

The Message At the Tomb

The Message at the Tomb

John 20 gives us one of the most powerful pictures in the whole Bible. Jesus has risen from the dead, but He leaves behind a message—one that speaks louder than words. The message at the tomb is not just that Jesus is alive, but that He’s coming back. Let’s look at how this story unfolds and what it means for us today.

The Empty Tomb Speaks Life

Mary Magdalene comes early in the morning while it’s still dark. She finds the stone rolled away. That moment of fear and confusion quickly turns into hope. When Peter and John run to the tomb, they don’t find Jesus’ body. What they find instead is just as important.

The burial cloths lay in a pile, but the face cloth is folded up neatly. This isn’t random. The message at the tomb starts with the empty linen—it means death didn’t win. Jesus overcame sin and the grave. That pile of cloths says He’s finished paying the price for us. He crushed the enemy.

The Folded Cloth Speaks Return

Now comes the detail that gives us chills. John 20:7 says the face cloth was “rolled up” or folded by itself. In Jewish tradition, this meant something very specific. When a master finished a meal, he’d toss the napkin to signal he was done. But if he folded it neatly, it meant, “I’m coming back.”

Jesus folded the face cloth on purpose. It was His quiet, powerful way of saying, “I’m not finished. I will return.” The message at the tomb isn’t just about the past—it’s also about the future.

The Appearance Speaks Peace

Later in John 20, Jesus appears to His disciples. They are hiding, scared, and unsure. But Jesus walks in and says, “Peace be with you.” He shows them His hands and side. He gives them the Holy Spirit and sends them out with purpose.

What started at the tomb becomes a mission in their hearts. Jesus gives them peace, power, and purpose. That same message still applies to us today. We don’t just visit an empty tomb—we carry the message of the risen Lord with us wherever we go.

The Response Speaks Belief

Thomas, one of the disciples, wasn’t there when Jesus showed up the first time. He doubted. But Jesus met him right where he was. He showed him His scars and told him to believe.

That’s what Jesus still does for us. He gives us reasons to believe. And He blesses those who believe even without seeing. That includes us.

Why the Message at the Tomb Still Matters

The tomb is empty, but the message is full of hope. Jesus is alive. He conquered sin. And He’s coming back. The folded cloth says it all.

We have peace in our hearts and purpose in our hands. Let’s live like we believe it. Let’s carry the message at the tomb to a world that needs it now more than ever.

Key takeaway: The folded cloth was no accident. Jesus rose from the dead and left a message—He’s not finished. He’s coming back.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

At the Feet of Jesus

In the Gospels, we find a woman named Mary who shows us what it means to truly love Jesus. Every time we read about her, she’s at the feet of Jesus. Let’s look at three special times this happens and see what we can learn.

Listening at His Feet

The first time we see Mary, she’s sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him teach. While her sister Martha is busy serving, Mary chooses to be close to Jesus, soaking in every word. Jesus says Mary made the better choice. This shows us how important it is to spend time with Jesus, learning from Him.

Crying at His Feet

Later, Mary’s brother Lazarus dies. When Jesus comes, Mary runs to Him, falls at His feet, and says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” She’s heartbroken. But even in her sadness, she knows to go to Jesus. He comforts her and then raises Lazarus from the dead. This teaches us to bring our pain to Jesus. He understands and cares.

Giving at His Feet

In John 12, Mary does something amazing. She takes a whole jar of expensive perfume and pours it on Jesus’ feet. Then she wipes His feet with her hair. The house fills with the sweet smell. Some people think it’s a waste, but Jesus says it’s beautiful. Mary gives her best to Jesus, holding nothing back. This shows us how to worship with all our hearts.

What We Learn

Mary’s actions teach us three big lessons:

1. Listen to Jesus: Spend time reading the Bible and praying. Let His words guide you.

2. Bring Him Your Pain: When you’re sad or hurting, go to Jesus. He wants to help you.

3. Give Him Your Best: Worship Jesus with all you have. Don’t hold back your love.

Being at the feet of Jesus means putting Him first in everything. Mary shows us how to do that. Let’s follow her example and stay close to Jesus every day.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Three Words Satan Hates

Jesus didn’t face Satan in a strong moment. He didn’t meet him after a meal, or after a miracle, or when surrounded by followers. No, in Matthew chapter 4, Jesus was alone, hungry, and physically weak. He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. It was just Him, the desert, and the devil.

And still, Satan lost.

Why? Because Jesus had a weapon. And He used it every time.

That weapon? The Word of God.

The three words that Satan hates? “It is written.”

The Three Words Satan Hates: “It Is Written”

Right out of the gate, Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread. After all, Jesus was starving. But Jesus didn’t argue. He didn’t fight, and He didn’t shout. He simply replied, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).

That hit Satan hard. But he didn’t give up.

Next, Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple and told Him to jump. This time, Satan even quoted Scripture! But Jesus answered again with those three words Satan hates: “It is written: ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Matthew 4:7).

One more time, Satan tried to tempt Jesus. He showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and offered them in exchange for worship. Jesus had enough. He said, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only’” (Matthew 4:10).

Every time Jesus faced temptation, He didn’t argue with the devil. He didn’t panic. Instead, He stood on truth. He declared the living Word of God—and Satan fled.

Why the Three Words Satan Hates Still Work Today

Those same three words Satan hates still work today. Why? Because God’s Word hasn’t changed. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” The Bible isn’t just words on a page. It’s power in your mouth.

When you speak God’s Word in faith, darkness flees. When temptation comes, don’t debate it. Don’t try to out-think the enemy. Just respond the way Jesus did: “It is written.”

Feeling unloved? Say: “Nothing can separate me from the love of God” (Romans 8:39).

Feeling weak? Say: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Feeling attacked? Say: “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).

Satan fears a believer who knows the Word and speaks it. He doesn’t care if you own a Bible. He runs when you use it.

Let the Word Fight for You

In Matthew 4, Jesus teaches us how to fight: speak the Word. Don’t lean on your feelings. Don’t try to outsmart temptation. Just open your Bible, find what God says, and speak it out loud.

Those three words Satan hates are your weapon too. Use them. Speak them. Live by them.

Don’t just know the Word. Stand on it. And watch the enemy run every time.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

The Three Gifts of God

God is a giver. He doesn’t just give us life—He gives us gifts to help us live for Him and serve others. In the Bible, we see that there are three gifts of God that every believer can receive and use. Obviously, these aren’t gifts to keep to ourselves. They’re meant to help build the church, help others, and glorify the Lord.

Let’s walk through three powerful passages—Galatians 6:9-10, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and Ephesians 4:12—and break down these amazing gifts: grace gifts, ministry gifts, and active gifts.

The Three Gifts of God Begin with Grace

First, let’s talk about grace gifts. These are mentioned clearly in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Paul writes that there are many kinds of gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, healing, miracles, prophecy, and more.

These gifts are not something we earn. That’s why they’re called grace gifts. God gives them because He loves us. He gives us the power and the tools we need to do His work. The Greek word here for “gifts” is charismata, which comes from charis, meaning grace. That means these gifts flow from God’s kindness and not from our goodness.

You can’t work hard enough to get them. You don’t need a Bible degree. If you’re a Christian, the Holy Spirit can give you what you need, when you need it, to help someone else. That’s amazing!

The Three Gifts of God Include Ministry

Next comes ministry gifts. You’ll find these in Ephesians 4:12, where Paul says that God gave some to be pastors, teachers, evangelists, and more—not to do all the work—but to help equip everyone for ministry.

The Greek word for ministry is diakonia, which means service. That means ministry isn’t just preaching. It’s doing anything that helps others grow in their faith. Helping with kids’ church? That’s ministry. Encouraging someone going through a hard time? That’s ministry too.

The three gifts of God are not just for pastors or leaders. Every believer has been given something to use to help the church grow strong and full of love.

The Three Gifts of God Must Be Activated

Last, let’s go to Galatians 6:9-10, where Paul encourages us to not grow tired of doing good. This is where we see active gifts. God gives you gifts, but He expects you to use them. That means you have to show up, step out, and get going.

If you never speak up, serve, or take a step of faith, your gift sits on a shelf. But when you obey, God energizes your gift. He uses it to bless people around you and bring them closer to Him.

God doesn’t give us gifts so we can look special. He gives them so we can point people to Him. It’s not about spotlight. It’s about serving.

So let’s recap the three gifts of God:

1. Grace gifts – God gives them by His Spirit.

2. Ministry gifts – God uses them to build His church.

3. Active gifts – God calls us to use them in action.

Don’t let your gift sit idle. You’ve been gifted for a reason—go use it for God’s glory!

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Why God Gives Gifts

When you become a follower of Jesus, you don’t just get saved—you get gifted. The Bible tells us that God gives spiritual gifts to every believer. These gifts aren’t random. They’re part of His perfect plan. He gives them for a reason, and that reason isn’t to make us look good. It’s to make the whole church stronger.

Let’s look at three key places in the Bible where we see this truth clearly—Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 and 27-31, and Ephesians 4:11-16.

Why God Gives Gifts: So the Body of Christ Works Right

In Romans 12:3-8, Paul says we’re all part of one body, and each part matters. He tells us not to think too highly of ourselves, but to remember that God gives different gifts to different people. Some teach, while others encourage. There are leaders, and there are servers, while others have a gift of giving. All of it is important.

Think about your own body. If your foot stops working, your whole body feels it. It’s the same in the church. God gives gifts so that every believer can play their part. If even one person chooses not to use their gift, something important gets left out.

You may think, “I’m not a preacher,” or “I’m not as bold as that person,” but that doesn’t mean your gift doesn’t matter. God knows what He’s doing. He gives you the gift you need to do the job He wants you to do.

Why God Gives Gifts: To Bring Unity and Growth

Now check out 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 and 27-31. Paul explains that the same Spirit gives different gifts to different people. He says the church is like a body with many parts—hands, feet, eyes, ears. Each part is different, but they all work together. No part can say, “I don’t need you.”

This tells us something powerful. God gives gifts not to make one person better than another, but to make all of us work together. We need each other. God didn’t call you to do everything. He called you to do your part—and trust others to do theirs.

Then in verses 27-31, Paul talks about how some are apostles, some are prophets, some are teachers. He asks, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets?” The answer is no. That’s the point. God spreads out His gifts on purpose.

Why God Gives Gifts: To Build Up the Church in Love

Last, let’s look at Ephesians 4:11-16. Paul says God gave some to be pastors, some to be evangelists, and some to teach—not to show off—but to help the rest of the church grow. These leaders aren’t supposed to do all the work. They’re supposed to equip you to do ministry.

As each person uses their gift, the whole church grows stronger in love. It becomes healthy, unified, and mature. This is the goal: a church full of people using their God-given gifts to make Jesus known.

So let’s get real. If you’re not using your gift, the church misses out. That’s why the question isn’t “Do I have a gift?” It’s “What has God gifted me to do—and am I doing it?”

You matter to God. Your gift matters to the church. And why God gives gifts is simple: so the whole body can grow, love, and shine for Jesus. Let’s step into that calling together.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.