Podcast
Avalon Church
Hosted by Pastor Don Dodge · EN
Avalon Church is a non-denominational church with a traditional, Bible oriented focus. Our service includes a contemporary worship at the beginning of the service filled with an assortment of music, ranging from full choir to band worship. After a time of singing, there will be a Biblical message followed by a time of reflection and commitment. All sermons can be found and listened to at https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/
11episodes
Episodes
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A Beautiful Mess – The Mystery of God | WEEK 5
Oct 31, 202101:29:13Tap to summarizeGod’s story that began before the world was created was a hidden mystery that was finally revealed in Jesus. Series: A Beautiful Mess, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: 2 Peter 3:15-16, 1 Corinthians 2:6-9, 1 Corinthians 2:16, John 15:5, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C72fhYn6y1E, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-beautiful-mess-the-mystery-of-god-week-5/, Discussion Questions: 2021-10-31_A-Beautiful-Mess_Week-5_DQ.pdf, Notes: Title Slide ... This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. – 2 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT) Translation Slide Yet when among mature believers, [we] do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” –1 Corinthians 2:6-9 (NLT) “[It’s] the moment when the great melody of history has begun to be heard in a major key instead of a minor one.” –NT Wright, Paul for Everyone: 1 Corinthians But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. –1 Corinthians 2:16b (NLT) I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. –John 15:5 (NLT) That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” –1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) Baptism Slide Communion Slide
Transcribe →A Beautiful Mess – God’s Power is Revealed in Weakness | WEEK 4
Oct 24, 202101:25:55Tap to summarizeThe power of the gospel is often revealed in the ordinary, weak, and foolish. Series: A Beautiful Mess, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Galatians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 5:5, Galatians 5:22-23, Video: https://youtu.be/vrrdUjSZ2C4, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-beautiful-mess-gods-power-is-revealed-in-weakness-week-4/, Discussion Questions: 2021-10-24_A-Beautiful-Mess_Week-4_DQ.pdf, Notes: Title Slide Map Ways to Participate AvalonChurch.org/Commentary 1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV) Vs. 1 Vs. 3 Vs. 2 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. –Galatians 6:14 (NIV) The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less. –2 Corinthians 5:5 (The Msg) Vss. 4-5 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. –Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
Transcribe →A Beautiful Mess – The Foolishness of the Gospel | WEEK 3
Oct 17, 202101:34:34Tap to summarizePastor William Nieto leads us in studying 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 and why the Gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing. Series: A Beautiful Mess, Speaker: Pastor William Nieto, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Video: https://youtu.be/kHUlBqOU1mM, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-beautiful-mess-the-foolishness-of-the-gospel-week-3/
Transcribe →A Beautiful Mess – Unity | WEEK 2
Oct 10, 202101:23:21Tap to summarizeAs Paul begins his discussion concerning disunity in the Corinthian church, it has striking similarities to today. Series: A Beautiful Mess, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, Acts 18:27-28, Video: https://youtu.be/9UykHXRZ3LU, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-beautiful-mess-unitiy-week-2/, Discussion Questions: 2021-10-10_A-Beautiful-Message_Week-2_DQ.pdf, Notes: Title Slide New ways to Participate slide I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. – 1 Cor. 1:10-17 (NIV) (repeat verses 10-12) Map When Apollos arrived [in Corinth in Achaia], he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. –Acts 18:27-28 (NIV) (repeat verses 13-17) Closing Prayer
Transcribe →A Beautiful Mess – Intro to 1 Corinthians | WEEK 1
Oct 3, 202100:52:17Tap to summarizeThis message introduces 1 Corinthians and Paul’s brilliant framing of what happens when Christ is put in the center of our lives. Series: A Beautiful Mess, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Corinthians 1:3, Video: https://youtu.be/dHYSXsfEves, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/a-beautiful-mess-intro-week-1/, Discussion Questions: 2021-10-03_Beautiful-Mess_Week-1_DQ.pdf, Notes: New Prayer Card slide “Ways to Participate” (1-2) Ways to Participate” (3) – Bible Project Ways to Participate (4) – NT Wright Commentary 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, –1 Corinthians 1:1 (NIV) 2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: –1 Corinthians 1:2 (NIV) 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV) Map – overview Map – Corinth up close 4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.–1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. –1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. –1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. –1 Cor.1:4 (NIV) Ways to Participate (overview)
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Follow Me – What M Looks Like | WEEK 7
Sep 26, 202100:52:09Tap to summarizeMay every Life Group be inspired to leave the comfort and security of attending church and go together to bless the world. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: John 13:34, Ephesians 4:11, Ephesians 4:12, Ephesians 4:13, Ephesians 4:16, Video: https://youtu.be/dGRXD_qghx0, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-week-7/, Discussion Questions: 2021-09-26_Follow-Me_Week-7_DQ.pdf, Notes: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt.22:37-39, NIV). “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (Jn 13:34, NIV) Minimum Functions of a Church (slide from last week) 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. –Ephesians 4:11 (NLT) 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. –Ephesians 4:12 (NLT) 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. –Ephesians 4:13 (NLT) 16 From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. –Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) Jesus’ body was blessed to be broken and broken to be given. Joanna Han Jenny Chau Joe Chau
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Follow Me – What Community Looks Like | WEEK 6
Sep 19, 202100:46:25Tap to summarizeThe Church is God's family. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:34, Luke 5:20, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg9Azu9uCLg, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-what-community-looks-like-week-6/, Discussion Questions: 6-What-Community-Looks-Like-DQ.pdf, Notes: 1. AvalonChurch.org/Groups 2. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV). 3. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34, NIV) 4. “The Chosen” video clip 5. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” –Luke 5:20 (NIV) 6. Minimum Functions of a. Church slide 7. “Chinwendu and Chinazom Enyioha” 8. AvalonChurch.org/Groups
Transcribe →Follow Me – What Worship looks like | WEEK 5
Sep 12, 202100:51:53Tap to summarizeWorship is being transformed into Christ's likeness together. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: John 13:34, Romans 12:2, Video: https://youtu.be/gM88GEHFULI, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-what-worship-looks-like-week-5/, Discussion Questions: 5-What-Worship-looks-like-DQ.pdf, Notes: 1. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt.22:37-39, NIV).
Transcribe →Follow Me – Living Incarnationally | WEEK 4
Sep 5, 202100:56:46Tap to summarizeEach of us in community exists to life as Jesus’ tangible presence in the world. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: John 1:14, John 8:1-11, John 13:34, Matthew 8:2-3, Matthew 8:5-7, Matthew 9:10-11, Matthew 9:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLHciECSHvU, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-living-incarnationally-week-4/, Discussion Questions: 4-Living-Incarnationally-DQ.pdf, Notes: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt.22:37-39, NIV). “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (Jn 13:34, NIV) Euangelion, disciple, ecclesia AvalonChurch.org/PrayerCard Zach and Meredith El Zahab In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. –John 1:1 (NIV) The Word became flesh [human] and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. –John 1:14 (NIV) Incarnation Church Sign 1: Hell-fire Church sign 2: Do you hear me now? Church sign 3: Do you know what hell is? Church sign 4: Don’t dishonor... A man with leprosy… said, “If you are willing, you can heal me. Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” (Matthew 8:2-3 NLT) A Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” 7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” (Matthew 8:5-7 NLT) While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10-11 NLT) “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” – Matthew 9:12-13 (NLT) We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NLT)
Transcribe →Follow Me – What is the Church? | WEEK 3
Aug 29, 202100:55:22Tap to summarizeFollowers of Jesus are part of a Kingdom-community that exists to live out God's original purpose for humanity. It is our responsibility to intentionally GO and GROW together. Series: Follow Me: Transformed Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, John 13:34, Acts 2:43, Acts 2:44-45, Acts 2:46, Acts 2:47, John 17:21, Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIMJP_GDF44, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/follow-me-week-3/, Discussion Questions: 2021-08-29_Follow-Me_Week-3_DQ.pdf, Notes: 1. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt.22:37-39, NIV). 2. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (Jn 13:34, NIV) 3. Prayer Card: AvalonChurch.org/PrayerCard, Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/avalonchurchprayer 4. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. –Acts 2:42 (NLT) 5. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. –Acts 2:43 (NLT) 6. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. –Acts 2:44-45 (NLT) 7. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— Acts 2:46 (NLT) 8. all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. –Acts 2:47 (NLT) 9. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. –John 17:21 (NLT) 10. Ecclesia 11. Church is the gathered followers ...for worship (becoming like Jesus) ...in community (Loving one another) ...on mission (loving and blessing the world)
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