Denzyl Balram's guest appearances

Denzyl Balram

Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara

Kristy Hinds

Kevin Austin

Jake Elliott

Kate Wallace Nunneley

Linda Adams

Jim Wright

Kenny Martin

Stephen Fitch

Jake Elliot

Denny Wayman

Alma Thompson

Doug Ranck

Gary Enniss

Annie Kyle

Alicia Wilson

OwlTail

An Unshakeable Kingdom- Denzyl Balram (8.8.21) by Sermons

An Unshakeable Kingdom- Denzyl Balram (8.8.21)

The second verse of this week's text (James 1:18-21) are wise words in and of themselves: "...let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger" (v.19). If you've been around Christian circles, you have probably heard these verses used to rationalize why all anger is bad, or to embrace meekness at all costs. Images of a monastery with folks who have taken vows of silence and peace come to mind. But is that all there is to these verses? We've spent the last few weeks in James, and so far chapter 1 has been all about dependence on God. We learned to depend on God for faith and wisdom to endure trials, then to do the same regardless of our financial situation, and last week we learned how our dependence calls us to wait on God, not to shift blame to or take credit for God's blessings. So how can James 1:19-21 be used to support this general theme of dependence?In these verses, God is giving us both an encouragement and a warning. Our response to God's implanted Word says a lot about our reliance on God and about our dependence on God as God's beloved ones. This Sunday, let's open our hearts with all of our emotions. I pray that when we do so, the parts of our heart that need cultivation would be revealed.

The second verse of this week's text (James 1:18-21) are wise words in and of themselves: "...let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger" (v.19). If you've been around Christian circles, you have probably heard these verses used to rationalize why all anger is bad, or to embrace meekness at all costs. Images of a monastery with folks who have taken vows of silence and peace come to mind. But is that all there is to these verses? We've spent the last few weeks in James, and so far chapter 1 has been all about dependence on God. We learned to depend on God for faith and wisdom to endure trials, then to do the same regardless of our financial situation, and last week we learned how our dependence calls us to wait on God, not to shift blame to or take credit for God's blessings. So how can James 1:19-21 be used to support this general theme of dependence? In these verses, God is giving us both an encouragement and a warning. Our response to God's implanted Word says a lot about our reliance on God and about our dependence on God as God's beloved ones. This Sunday, let's open our hearts with all of our emotions. I pray that when we do so, the parts of our heart that need cultivation would be revealed.

A Cultivated Heart - Pastor Denzyl Balram (7-28-19)

Danielle Garcia

AccusedThis Sunday we will hear from four of our pastors, engaging the scripture above with different focuses:Denzyl: We'll briefly review the history of the religious high court, and roles of the priests in the trial of Jesus. Through this trial, we'll explore how their motives against Jesus are counterintuitive to their roles, and what it means to refer to Jesus, through his death and resurrection, as our High Priest."For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." - Hebrews 4:15Colleen: When a group of people get together and decide something is true, when it is not, then what ensues can often be a tragedy. We know this to be true in our lives and in the world at large. When it comes to Christ, what then is our role?"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."- Exodus 20:16Jake: In our passage for Sunday, Jesus reveals to the mob the truth of who he is: the Son of God. Jesus's words here are few and seem to be chosen very intentionally. Why does the God of truth pass up an opportunity to defend himself against the people's lies? What do His words, or lack thereof, show about God's character at this trivial moment? "The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do."- Thomas JeffersonDanielle: Our passage ends with the supposed victory of the Jewish leaders and the apparent defeat of Jesus. In this moment, we see the beginning of the defeat of death and the enemies of God through unexpected ways."He died, but he vanquished death; in himself he put an end to what we feared; he took it upon himself and he vanquished it, as a mighty hunter he captured and slew the lion." - St. Augustine

Accused This Sunday we will hear from four of our pastors, engaging the scripture above with different focuses: Denzyl: We'll briefly review the history of the religious high court, and roles of the priests in the trial of Jesus. Through this trial, we'll explore how their motives against Jesus are counterintuitive to their roles, and what it means to refer to Jesus, through his death and resurrection, as our High Priest. "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." - Hebrews 4:15 Colleen: When a group of people get together and decide something is true, when it is not, then what ensues can often be a tragedy. We know this to be true in our lives and in the world at large. When it comes to Christ, what then is our role? "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." - Exodus 20:16 Jake: In our passage for Sunday, Jesus reveals to the mob the truth of who he is: the Son of God. Jesus's words here are few and seem to be chosen very intentionally. Why does the God of truth pass up an opportunity to defend himself against the people's lies? What do His words, or lack thereof, show about God's character at this trivial moment? "The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do." - Thomas Jefferson Danielle: Our passage ends with the supposed victory of the Jewish leaders and the apparent defeat of Jesus. In this moment, we see the beginning of the defeat of death and the enemies of God through unexpected ways. "He died, but he vanquished death; in himself he put an end to what we feared; he took it upon himself and he vanquished it, as a mighty hunter he captured and slew the lion." - St. Augustine

Accused - Rev. Colleen Hurley-Bates, Rev. Danielle Garcia, Jake Elliot, Denzyl Balram (3-31-19)