A.J. Dummitt: Recent Episodes
A.J. Dummitt
This is the official podcast of Pastor A.J. Dummitt of theCrossroads in Kentucky. This podcast will have talks, preaching, teaching and interviews and special guests.
“Show Us the Father” JESUS Series Week 3
John 14:6-11 (KJV) 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Today we are going to look at a discussion that Jesus has with Phillip when they were wanting to know how Jesus was going to solve everything that was wrong in their world. Jesus often spoke of “the Father” because the people with whom He was speaking could not understand how a human being could come from God. So when Jesus in human flesh is referring to the Father – He is talking about the Almighty, Eternal, OmniPresent Spirit that we know is God! That Spirit was what overshadowed Mary, that Spirit is what filled and directed Jesus through life on Earth and that Spirit is the same spirit that we receive when we are filled with the Holy Ghost – and it is that Spirit that will raise us up whether dead or alive to be with Him for eternity!
Jesus explains to Phillip – that if you have seen the person of Jesus Christ…You have seen the Eternal Spirit of God because they are one and the same! Like Colossians 2:9 says,
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Jesus had already explained to some Jews in John 10: 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Phillip says – Show us the Father… Jesus says – I already have. The Jews couldn’t understand how a MAN could be GOD Jesus said -if I don’t do the WORKS of GOD, and you have no evidence or proof that what I am doing is a GOD THING – then don’t believe me – BUT… If I do the WORKS OF GOD and you have evidence and proof that what I am doing is A GOD THING – then believe me!
Our world wants to see a better way… They want to see GOD…the HOPE beyond this life!… 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 (KJV) 14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Keep in mind that what Jesus told Phillip was accurate – when we see Jesus – we are seeing the only image of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15-18 (ESV) 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
We know that GOD IS LOVE – Jesus showed us that…in everything He did and every word He said… He was the visible display of LOVE for all to see!
He showed us that God hears and answers prayers – in the many times He healed, delivered, raised from the dead…and even in the delays or seeming denials…He heard and answered!
In one of the parables Jesus spoke He SHOWED us the FATHER and the LOVE OF THE FATHER…it is usually called the Parable of the Prodigal Son (also known as the parable of the Two Brothers, Lost Son, Loving Father, or of the Forgiving Father). I think of it as the parable of the Prodigal (Extravagant) Father!
We spend lots of time and energy discussing the relevance of the brothers..and their actions and reactions – but the focus the whole time is THE FATHER! Jesus was showing the LOVE of the GOD through this illustration of the EXTRAVAGANT (Prodigal) FATHER! I believe Jesus was showing us that GOD loves all of us…and wants all of us to be with HIM in the house…but even though His Love for us is EXTRAVAGANT – ultimately…we CHOOSE whether or not we will be “in the house”! The parable of the two sons (another parable Jesus tells that directly mentions a father) – has much the same message. One son eventually does the will of his father, the other just claims to…but never does! GOD GIVES ALL OF US THE OPPORTUNITY – IT ALL COMES DOWN TO OUR CHOICE!
Our World is in desperate need right now. They need to SEE GOD in us! They don’t even understand their need for us to SHOW THEM THE FATHER!
We need someone to step up and give clear direction for children and families in this time that we live in. It’s kind of like our society is saying, SHOW US THE FATHER – and we will be ok!
Church, that is exactly what our world needs. Not someone to be a champion for social justice, not an insurgent or protest rally leader, not a political figure… This world needs us to SHOW THEM THE FATHER! They need to see God! We cannot fix them or what is broken. We can only show them GOD! The choice they make about Him is up to them..but we have to be Jesus to this world. GOD is LOVE, and that is what our world needs like never before! Not just Love, but GOD’S LOVE! When we show God’s Love – we are showing them the Father!
How can we show God’s Love this week?
- By praying for them to return to the Father
- By going out of our way to show love and kindness
- Being careful about what we say and post…
- In being there when they are ready to talk/pray.
- Treating everyone the same way…without prejudice
- Welcoming them with joy and excitement when they return
Have you made your choice today? Do you want a Barabbas Life or a Jesus Life? Today if you will turn from sin, and turn to God – you will receive the peace that only Jesus can give you! If you will be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ – all the sins and mistakes of your past will be washed away never to be held against you again. God will fill you with His Spirit and you will have peace that passes any human understanding. The choice is yours today. Will you get caught up in all the chaos, tension and trouble – or will you choose peace in your life – by choosing GOD!
Lose Your Mind “Mind Set” – Part 4 (Lose Your Mind)
Text: Philippians 2:5 / 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
Philippians 2:5 (KJV) 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Get the Mind of Christ, lose the old way of thinking
In order to find your mind in Christ, you first have to TURN TO GOD, and turn away from your old way of doing things. Realizing that there is more to life than what you have currently found, you take a step of faith by Repenting of Sin and Turning to God, then you are baptized in Jesus’ Name to wash away the stains from the past, and God will fill you with His Spirit – the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This is the prerequisite to having the Mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:14-16 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
Romans 12:1-3 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Ephesians 4:17-24 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Lawrence Peter said, “Since the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, does that mean only left-handed people are in their right mind?”
“Yogi” Berra (1925-2015) quipped, “Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” In his book, Berra took credit for this one. This quotation is also sometimes rendered as: “Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.”
1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Luke 10:27 “So he answered and said, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”
1 Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.”
Get a FOCUSED MIND – Filling your mind with Christ
Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Beware, the god of your imagination is an imaginary god. The Christ of your imagination is not the Christ of the Bible. Make certain you believe on the Jesus of the Bible.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Psalm 119:15-16, 97 “I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. . . . Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.”
Chris Kleyn shares the following: “To many Christians think the Bible is like a software license. They don’t actually read it. They just scroll to the bottom and click ‘I agree’.”
Paul exhorts Timothy, his son in the ministry, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
We have got to LOSE our carnal mind, and fill our mind with Jesus Christ DAILY!
Dr. Walter A. Elwell explains, “By studying the Bible we get to know who God is and what he is like. The Scriptures include over 15,000 references to God and a thorough study of those passages alone could change our lives. So why don’t we take 10-15 minutes a day minimum? Cause the enemy keeps you distracted and you aren’t redeeming the TIME you have!
We should also study the Bible in order to test out what we believe. The world is filled with false ideas about God and His purposes for us. So when we hear someone stating what God’s will is, we ought to check it out for ourselves in His Word, and then reject what is false and keep what is true.
Finally, we need to study the Bible in order to grow spiritually as it encourages us to love and serve God and others, calls our attention to our own sin, and helps us live like Christ.”
The Bible is a Him Book, it is all about Him, Jesus Christ!
Remember the acronym GIGO—garbage in garbage out.
Whatever you feed your mind will fill your mind.
Fix your mind on Christ.
Philippians 2:5 – “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:5-8 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Here is what Having the Mind of Christ looks like:
When you have the mind of Christ you have a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
When you have the mind of Christ you have a sober mind. 1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
There was a popular song once that said, “. . . whiskey river take my mind”? Do you know what? It will! Ephesians 5:18 – “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.”
We must ask the Lord to take our carnal mind, and give us His mind everyday.
We can only follow Jesus, if we have His mind… 1 Peter 2:21 – “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”
The only way to have revival in our community is for the church to have Biblical unity and this is only achieved when all members have the mind of Christ!
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17)!
Those without the mind of Christ operating in their life are marked by “. . . envy, strife, and divisions. . .” (1 Corinthians 3:3).
Now is the time for us to LOSE OUR MINDS and take on the Mind of Christ! – There is a mind to reject, a mind to receive, and a mind to renew.
Repentance is a change of mind and heart that leads to a change in direction.
Isaiah 1:18 – “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.”
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 – “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”
Philippians 2:5 – “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
To gain His, have you lost your mind?
Peace of Mind “Mind Set” – Part 3 (Peace of Mind)
Text: Colossians 3:2-5 / Phil. 4:6-9
Colossians 3:2-5 (NKJV) 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Philippians 4:6-9 (NASB) 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all [a]comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [b]lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, [c]dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
You can’t have a positive life with a Negative mind.
Write out your 2 biggest worries…
Really over exaggerating for some…and others of you are like…you left a lot of things off that list!
So let’s talk about WORRY and the MIND, and how you can have PEACE of MIND!
Your life will always move in the direction of your strongest thoughts. This is good if you have your mind SET on GOD and things above…not so good if you are focused on other things!
Any time you’re: Afraid—Anxious—Worried— It Compounds the issues at hand.
We have a little almond shaped portion in our brain called the — Amygdala —Whenever you are afraid, this is in full alert mode.
Amygdala—Helpful Part of the brain Wired for Survival—Responsible for fear.
When your brain senses Danger— the Amygdala kicks in sending strong doses of Adrenalin to your body!
The Problem is that our Amygdala is not objective —It is hard wired to protect us.
The Amygdala needs help from Prefrontal Cortex—the Logical part of our brain. Noise at night—Amygdala tells you, you are Going to die—Prefrontal Cortex reasons what it could be.
Jesus didn’t say: Let your hearts be troubled! (Do not…) Angel didn’t say: Glory God in highest—Stress/anxiety on earth. Paul didn’t say: Be anxious about everything!
Phil 4:6-7 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
All we can do now is PRAY?
Why is that our LAST OPTION? It should be our FIRST OPTION!!
Prayer is powerful! Boldly go before throne grace…
Not only does prayer move the heart of God. Prayer changes the chemistry in your brain.
A few decades ago—Neurologists believed brain didn’t change after adolescence.
Neuroplasticity — We have learned that our brain is continually changing—thoughts change brain.
Neurotheology — Also known as Spiritual Neuroscience
Studies relationship between: Brain & Belief in God. Prayer changes brain.
“It has been found that 12 minutes of daily focused prayer over an 8 week period can change the brain to such an extent that it can be measured on a brain scan.” Dr. Caroline Leaf author of Switch On Your Brain
Just as toxic—Negative thoughts—Hurt brain. – Pre-programming us for unhealthy thinking and living
Prayer heals—Renews the MIND –
Romans 12 – Do not be conformed to the patterns, thought processes or the WAYS of this world, but be TRANSFORMED (be MADE DIFFERENT)…how is that possible – by the RENEWING of your MIND!
God’s Word renews your mind, and Prayer Transforms your thinking about God, about reality and about what is and is not possible!
So then, Why do we worry? Panic? Anxiety?
Many different reasons…we are xperiencing an Amygdala Hijack.
Your brain tells you in the middle of the night…that you have to prepare for the worst case scenario…if you don’t the WORST is going to happen to you, to your family, etc…
Neuroscience would tell you it is an Amygdala Hijack… Paul would say—Mind is dominated by sinful thinking.
What is worry? Worry is the sin of distrusting the promises and power God? – It’s saying, God I don’t believe you are good enough to take care of this…I better take care of it without you! God, I just can’t trust you with this!
Instead of letting my sinful nature control my mind, I will choose to let my brain choose the Truth that the Spirit will direct me to think.
Romans 8:5-6 (NLT) 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
This is why we need to… Take every thought captive. So if there is a thought we have that is not consistent with the WORD OF GOD, we take that thought captive and we make it obey and follow what the Word of God tells us! (Obedient to Christ).
When we choose the Word of God…we are allowing the Spirit of God to lead us in our thinking! The Spirit of God is not going to go against the WORD of God.
Prefrontal Cortex grabs the Amygdala and gives every worry to God.
Prayer Box
— STRATEGY — Do what I can do. Give God what I can’t do Trust God no matter what.
Imagine having a true Heart of Peace, Life that is full of Joy, and constantly having true Peace of Mind, because you are totally Trusting in God.
THAT IS possible. And it’s also a choice.
If your life is moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts…Do you like the direction your thoughts are taking you?
If you don’t control what you think You will never control what you do.
Identify the truth that will MAKE you free from the bondage of fear and anxiety… Then you —Write it. Think it. Confess. Until you Believe it.
- Jesus First in my life. My purpose is to serve and glorify Him Alone.
- Jesus in me is stronger than my sinful desires.
- I’m getting closer to Jesus every day.
- Because of Jesus, my family is closer, my body is stronger, my faith is deeper, my brain is sharper.
- I am victorious—because the Holy Spirit dwells within me.
- I place my words, thoughts and imaginations under the power of Jesus.
- I am not a hostage to unhealthy thoughts.
- The weapons I fight with are not the weapons of this world. I have divine power to demolish strongholds.
- Worry is not my master. I trust in God alone.
- God’s peace guards my heart, guards my mind, and guards my soul in Christ Jesus.
- I am not a slave to habits. I am not a prisoner to an addiction. I have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God’s light.
You can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you frame it.
Stop interpreting God through circumstances. Start interpreting your circumstances through goodness of God. (There is a plan, He’s allowing it for a reason).
Cover everything you do in prayer!
Don’t Believe the LIE (anything that is not consistent with God’s Word, anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God…anything that would make your worries bigger than your God)
Embrace the TRUTH. Jesus is Truth, His Word is Truth…His Ways are truth… And the Truth will MAKE you FREE (Free from Fear, Free from anxiety, free from worry…)
Jesus is Enough!
Text Matthew: 17:1-8
17 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
Mount Hermon- Tallest mountain in all of Palestine, over 9000ft tall
Peter, James, and John- the inner circle of the apostles
Luke 9: Traveled, fell asleep, woke up in a start so this story happened at night- One thing to see a bright light, but to see Jesus clothed in garments shining
- English word Behold
Greek word- idou– means Pay attention to this- interpreted- Behold
- Matt 17:3-Mosses and Elijah were there- Both had mountain top experiences
- Moses received ten commandments up on Mount Sinai in Ex 19
- Elijah was up on Mount Carmel, called down fire from heaven and it consumed the sacrifice, and the water
- Why did God choose Moses and Elijah:
- Moses- I think it is because Moses represents the Law- wrote first five books of the Bible, often called the Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy
- He was considered the giver of the Law
- Elijah- He was considered the foremost of the prophets
- Moses- I think it is because Moses represents the Law- wrote first five books of the Bible, often called the Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy
- So in Moses and Elijah you have both the Law and the prophets
- Did you know that Jesus was the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets
- Matt 5:17: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Then Peter sees Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah and thinks that Jesus is their equal
This is where we see God respond with a voice from heaven
What caused God to speak from heaven?
When Peter suggested that Jesus should share His glory with someone else
Isaiah 42:8 I am the Lord that is my name and my glory will I not give to another neither my praise to graven images.
- Matt 17:5 God Presence appears in form a cloud- second important thing to notice
Matt 17: 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them:
God uses a cloud several times in the Bible to indicate his presence:
- The Exodus from Egypt- cloud by day, fire by night
- The inauguration of the tabernacle- Shekinah glory of God
- The inauguration of the temple
- Ezekiel’s vision 1:5
- John’s vision in Revelation chapter
- Matt 17: 5b The Voice of God spoke –
Matt 17: 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
This passage tells us three things:
- Voiced Divine approval on Jesus- “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased- Approval was not focused on Moses, not on Elijah, But the focus was upon Jesus
- Directed authority to Jesus- Hear Ye Him! Not Moses, Not Elijah, but listen to Jesus alone
- Called for Obedience to Jesus alone, Not Moses, Not Elijah
You see, the disciples distracted by the presence of Moses and Elijah, they were taught about Moses and Elijah, and they missed the point that was right in front of them! JESUS IS ENOUGH
Telegraph Illustration: Back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse code operator.
Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office address that was listed. When he arrived, he entered a large, busy office filled with noise and clatter, including the sound of the telegraph in the background. A sign on the receptionist’s counter instructed job applicants to fill out a form and wait until they were summoned to enter the inner office. The young man filled out his form and sat down with the seven other applicants in the waiting area. After a few minutes, the young man stood up, crossed the room to the door of the inner office, and walked right in.
Naturally the other applicants perked up, wondering what was going on. They muttered among themselves that they hadn’t heard any summons yet. They assumed that the young man who went into the office made a mistake and would be disqualified.
Within a few minutes, however, the employer escorted the young man out of the office and said to the other applicants, “Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming, but the job has just been filled.”
The other applicants began grumbling to each other, and one spoke up saying, “Wait a minute, I don’t understand. He was the last to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed. Yet he got the job. That’s not fair!”
The employer said, “I’m sorry, but all the time you’ve been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse code: ‘If you understand this message, then come right in. The job is yours.’
None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. The job is his.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are our ears tuned to His voice??
While others were pre-occupied with other conversations, although worthwhile they may have been, they missed the main message!
- THE ONES WHO WILL HEAR THE STILL, SMALL VOICE OF JESUS IN THIS GENERATION ARE THE ONES WHO ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS!
WE HAVE ALL HAD PEOPLE SAY SOMETHING TO US AND WE WERE DAYDREAMING, OR OTHERWISE PRE-OCCUPIED.
“The only way I can really understand what someone says is if I am looking directly at them when they speak!”
- IN ORDER TO HEAR WHAT GOD IS SAYING, WE MUST REMOVE ALL DISTRACTIONS AND KEEP OUR EYES ON HIM!
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
To put this scripture in context, just a week earlier, Jesus had asked his disciples a question in
Matthew 16:13- Whom do men say that I am?
They had responded in verse 14:
And they said, Some say that thou are John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Matt 16:16– And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
It is interesting that in the space of just a week that he forgets that Jesus is the Son of the Living God.
I submit to you that the entire point of the Mount Transfiguration experience is to show the inner circle, Peter, James and John that He is God manifested in the flesh
The Law was necessary for its time but Jesus came to fulfill the law, Jesus is Enough all by himself.
The prophets had a very important function in their day, but the prophets cant save you but Jesus can, Jesus is enough!
I am saying to this church today, God has a job for someone to do!
There is a work to be done, and the position is open, who will fill it?
Who will go and do the work of God in this generation?
- THE JOB POSITION IS OPEN, AND THE ADVERTISEMENT HAS GONE FORTH!
Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Matthew 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
What is The job you may ask?
Reach the lost at any cost!
The Pay?
Matthew 16:26-27
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
The benefits?
Romans 14:17
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
And a life insurance policy that is out of this world!
And, the applicants have come from near and far, and are sitting in the interview room, waiting for their turn!
But, I would say to you today, that it is not the most qualified, not the most well-dressed, not the first on the scene, or not the ones with the most ability that will get the job, but the ones that will get the nod from the Lord of the Harvest are those who will hear his still, small, voice and understand what the purpose of the church is in this day!
Those whose attention is not diverted by the other sounds that clamor all around, those who don’t think that they have already arrived and deserve the job because of their superior qualifications, but those who are listening and understanding the voice of God!
We can argue all day long amongst ourselves, and use scripture to back up why we are right, and everyone else is wrong, but while we are crossing theological swords, people are dying and going to hell!
- THE ONES WHOM GOD WILL WORK THROUGH IN THIS GENERATION ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE ELIMINATED THE DISTRACTIONS IN THEIR LIVES.
Not the most educated,
Not the best dressed,
Not the ones with the most impressive pedigree or heritage,
But, those who have eliminated distractions!
If you have Jesus, you have enough!
I truly believe that what God is looking for in this generation is not talent, ability, pedigree, heritage, etc.
I BELIEVE THAT GOD IS SIMPLY LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO WILL ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS!
PEOPLE WHO WILL KEEP THEIR PURPOSE CLEAR, THEIR LIVES UNCLUTTERED, AND FREE FROM THE THINGS OF THE WORLD THAT WILL DIVERT OUR ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE STILL, SMALL VOICE OF GOD!
People that will not only hear, but understand what God is saying.
How do I hear and understand the voice of God?
It’s not enough to hear the voice of God; I must understand what God is saying.
Peter heard the voice of God but wanted to build three temples.
It’s one thing to hear the voice, but another to know from where it is coming and what it is saying.
John 10:27
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
The way that I can hear the voice of God is only through prayer, fasting, spending time in the Word and eliminating distractions.
Jesus is Enough!
- When you are fearful, – “His perfect Love Casteth out all fear” Jesus is enough for you
- Lonely– Matthew 28:20 Jesus said, “Lo I am with you always even to the ends of the earth” Jesus is enough for you!
- Weary– Matt 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest- Jesus is enough for you!
- Friendless– He is the friend that sticketh closer than a brother- Jesus is enough for you
- Healing– Jesus is the healer- he bore stripes upon his back for your healing, he has already paid the price- Jesus is enough for you
- Salvation: Jesus died on the cross for your sins- Jesus is enough for you!
If you have never repented of your sins, let me tell you that Jesus is enough for you- He died to pay the penalty of your sins
You don’t need to carry it any longer, bring it to Jesus
Bring your hurts to him,
Acts 2:37-39
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
If you have never been baptized in Jesus Name, Jesus is enough for you!
- Today is your day, we have warm water in the baptistry tank
- We have robes here,
- There is a private place to get changed
- you can be baptized and go home in your dry clothes
- But most importantly, you can go home with your sins washed away!
Set Your Mind “Mind Set” – Part 2 (Set Your Mind)
Text: Colossians 3:2-5
Colossians 3:2-5 (NKJV) 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Psalm 150:1-6 1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
2 Chronicles 20:18-22 18And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD. 19And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high. 20And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 21And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. 22And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
Psalm 103:1-5 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
If you want to make the enemy look SMALL, then make God look BIG with your praise.
PRAISE DOESN’T CHANGE GOD’S POWER, IT CHANGES OUR PERSPECTIVE! (It sets our MINDS on things above)
Magnify the Lord in praise! Psalm 34:1-4 1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
•YOU CAN SET YOUR MIND THROUGH PRAISE…
If you LAUNCH THE WEAPON OF PRAISE TO GOD – you will live in victory!
THE WORSHIPPER’S ALPHABET (by Raymond Woodward)
•You can talk about your ANXIETIES, or you can praise the Advocate, the All in All, the Almighty, the Alpha and Omega, the Altogether Lovely, the Amen, the Anointed, the Apostle of our Profession, the Author of Eternal Salvation, and the One who is Alive Forevermore.
•You can talk about your BITTERNESS, or you can praise the Banner, the Bearer of Sin, the Beginning and the Ending, the Beloved, the Buckler, the Branch, the Bread, the Blessed Hope, the Bridegroom, the Bright and Morning Star, and the One who is Before All Things.
•You can talk about your CONCERNS, or you can praise the Captain of our Salvation, the Chief Cornerstone, the Chosen of God, the Christ, the Chief Shepherd, the Cleft of the Rock, the Comforter, the Commander, the Consolation, the Counselor, the Creator, and the Chiefest Among Ten Thousand.
•You can talk about your DEPRESSION, or you can praise the Daysman, the Day Spring from on High, the Daystar to Arise, the Defense, the Deliverer, the Desire of all Nations, and the Dwelling Place.
•You can talk about your EMPTINESS, or you can praise the Elect, the Eternal God, the Everlasting Light, the Ensign, Emmanuel, the Everlasting Name, the Express Image of God, and the Everlasting Father.
•You can talk about your FEARS, or you can praise the Faithful and True, the Finisher of your Faith, the First Begotten of the Dead, the Firstborn, the Faithful High Priest, the Firstfruits of Them that Slept, the Fortress, the Foundation, the Fountain of Living Waters, the Friend of Sinners, the Faithful and True, the Foreordained before the Foundation of the World, and the Friend that Sticketh Closer than a Brother.
•You can talk about your GUILT, or you can praise the Gift of God, the Glorious Name, the Good Master, the Glory of God, God Blessed Forever, God Manifest in Flesh, God Who Avengeth Me, God With Us, God of My Strength, the Great Shepherd of the Sheep, the Guiltless, the Governor, the God of My Life, the Great God, the Guide, and the God of My Salvation.
•You can talk about your HABITS, or you can praise the Habitation of Justice, the Head of all Principality and Power, the Head of the Body, the Heir of All Things, the Helper, the Hidden Manna, the Hiding Place, the High Priest, the High Tower, the Holy One, the Hope of Glory, the Horn of Salvation, the House of Defense, and the High and Lofty One who Inhabiteth Eternity.
•You can talk about your INSECURITIES, or you can praise the I Am, the Innocent, Immanuel, and the Image of the Invisible God.
•You can talk about your JEALOUSIES, or you can praise Jesus Christ, the Judge of the Quick and the Dead, the Jasper Stone, the Just One, and the Judge of All the Earth.
•You can talk about your KNOWLEDGE, or you can praise the King of Glory, the King of Saints, the Keeper, the King Eternal, the King Immortal, the Kinsman, the King in His Beauty, the King Forever and Ever, the Kindness and Love of God, the King of Kings, and the King who Cometh in the Name of the Lord.
•You can talk about your LONELINESS, or you can praise the Last Adam, the Lawgiver, the Life, the Lifter Up of Mine Head, the Light of the World, the Lily of the Valleys, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Living Bread, the Lord of Lords, the Living God, the Lord God Almighty, the Lord of Glory, the Lowly in Heart, the Lord God Omnipotent, and the Lamb that was Slain before the Foundation of the World.
•You can talk about your MISERY, or you can praise the Magnified, the Maker, the Man Christ Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, the Manna, the Master, the Mediator, the Meek, the Mouth of God, the Merciful and Faithful High Priest, the Messiah, the Mighty God, the Morning Star, the Mystery of God, and the One who is Marvelous in our Eyes.
•You can talk about your NEEDS, or you can praise the Nazarene, the Nail Fastened in a Sure Place, and the Name Above Every Name.
•You can talk about your OFFENSES, or you can praise the Offering and Sacrifice, the Offspring of David, the Ointment Poured Forth, the Only Potentate, the Omega, the Only Wise God, and the Only Begotten of the Father.
•You can talk about your PROBLEMS, or you can praise the Passover, the Pavilion, the Perfect Man, the Physician, the Place of Refuge, the Portion of Mine Inheritance, the Potter, the Precious Corner Stone, the Preeminence, the Priest of the Most High God, the Prince and Saviour, the Prophet, the Propitiation, the Purifier, and the Prince of Peace.
•You can talk about your QUESTIONS, or you can praise the One who is the Quickening Spirit.
•You can talk about your REASONS, or you can praise the Rain, the Ransom for All, the Rabbi, the Redeemer, the Redemption, the Refiner’s Fire, the Resting Place, the Righteousness of God, the Refuge in Times of Trouble, the Rock of Our Salvation, the Root and Offspring of David, the Rose of Sharon, the Ruler, the Reward for the Righteous, the Riches of His Glory, the Righteous Judge, the River of Water in a Dry Place, the Resurrection and the Life, and the Rock that is Higher Than I.
•You can talk about your SADNESS, or you can praise the Sacrifice for Sins, the Salvation of God, the Seed of the Woman, the Sanctuary, the Saving Strength of His Anointed, the Saviour of the World, the Scapegoat, the Scepter of Israel, the Secret, the Seed of Abraham, the Sent One, the Separate from Sinners, the Servant, the Shadow from the Heat, the Shelter, the Shepherd, the Shield, Shiloh, the Sign, the Son of the Living God, the Star of Jacob, the Sweet Smelling Savour, the Stone which the Builders Rejected, the Strength of my Life, the Strong Consolation, the Stronghold, the Strong Tower from the Enemy, the Sure Foundation, and the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever.
•You can talk about your TRIALS, or you can praise the Tabernacle of God, the Temple, the Testator, the Treasure, the Teacher, the Testimony, the True Bread, the True Light, the True Vine, the True Witness, the Tender Mercy of God, the Truth, and the Tried Stone.
•You can talk about your UNCERTAINTY, or you can praise the Undefiled, the Understanding, the Unknown God, the Unspeakable Gift, the Upright, and the Upholder of All Things.
•You can talk about your VICTIMIZATION, or you can praise the Very Great, the Veil, the Victory, the Very God of Peace, the Vine, the Voice, and the Very Present Help in Time of Trouble.
•You can talk about your WEAKNESSES, or you can praise the Wall of Fire, the Wave Offering, the Wedding Garment, the Well of Living Waters, the Wisdom of God, the Witness, the Well of Salvation, the Wonderful, the Word, the Worthy, the Wise Master Builder, and the Way, the Truth and the Life.
•You can talk about your X-CUSES, or you can praise the One who is X-cellent!
•You can talk about your YEARNINGS, or you can praise the One whose Yoke is easy and His Burden is Light.
•You can talk about your ZEROS, or you can praise the One who is the Zeal of the Lord of Hosts.
•The secret to setting your mind for victory is CONTINUAL PRAISE.
Praise God when you are feeling like it, praise God when you don’t feel like it!
It’s always the right time…so SET YOUR MIND, when you are focused on things above…out of your mouth will come the praises of God which will bring about your victory!
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:
- Why is it so easy to speak negative and pessimistic things?
- What circumstances around you lately have tempted you to complain instead of praising?
- What are 3 things that you can praise God for today?
- After taking time to praise God for those things and think about the goodness of God – how does your mindset change?
“Mind Set” – Part 1 (Strongholds)
Text: Colossians 3:2-5 / 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Colossians 3:2-5 (NKJV) 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Spiritual warfare cannot be fought by just repeating someone else’s actions or phrases; we must understand with our MINDS what we are doing and why we are doing it if we are going to be effective!
Satan has three main weapons against the church:
The most obvious weapon is an active one called SIN.
The second weapon is a passive one called ACCUSATIONS.
Satan is described as the accuser of the brethren (Job 1:6-12, Zechariah 3:1, Rev. 12:10) Even though Jesus said He would never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5b), Satan screams that we have been forsaken because we are too bad for God to love or use. Hebrews 13:5b (KJV) for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5b (AMP) for He (God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake nor let [you] down, [relax My hold on you]. Assuredly not!
Satan uses accusations to generate anxiety strong enough so that we will come out from under the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6) – that’s why Peter admonishes us to cast all our care upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7).
1 Peter 5:6-8
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Satan’s objective is to paralyze us like an animal that has fallen into a trap (1 Peter 5:8-9); we know when this weapon has been successful because despair and fear take over.
The third weapon is the most dangerous because it lies dormant until activated!
The church in general is aware of the first two weapons because of Bible teaching and because their effects – spiritual death or paralysis – are visible motivators to get help.
The third weapon – STRONGHOLDS – is like an unseen landmine waiting to detonate.
Satan’s treacherous character as a deceiver (John 8:44, Rev. 12:9). The MIND is the access gate Satan uses to get at your spirit!
Ed Silvoso: “A spiritual stronghold is a mindset impregnated with hopelessness that causes us to accept as unchangeable situations that we know are contrary to the will of God.”
- The Bible teaches us to forgive our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48) – it’s a must! If you are incapable of forgiving a particular person, you should suspect a spiritual stronghold in your mind.
- The Bible tells us that he who finds a spouse “finds a good thing” (Proverbs 18:22) and that we are to become one flesh (Matthew 19:4-6). If you are powerless to change your feelings toward your spouse and feel hopeless, then you should suspect a spiritual stronghold in your mind.
- The Bible tells us that we must live holy lives (1 Peter 1:15-16). If you are unable to shake the creeping influence of worldly pleasures and priorities then you should suspect a spiritual stronghold.
- Any time the will of God is clearly spelled out but reality tells a different story in your life and anytime you are powerless to change the reality perceived by your mind and anytime you have accepted defeat because the situation looks hopeless – SUSPECT A STRONGHOLD.
HOW DO HUMAN BEINGS ACT WHEN THERE IS A STRONGHOLD IN THEIR MIND?
Strongholds expose a severe inconsistency between what we SAY and what we BELIEVE.
- We cope with them by erecting a “partition” which separates our mind into two compartments. (1 Corinthians 10:5 – “every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God”) On one side is the knowledge of God; on the other side is human speculation. A speculation is a conclusion based on an assumption that cannot be proven!
- This fragmentation makes us develop what James describes as a “double mind” – instability. James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
- When such believers are convicted they bail out by using rationalizations to defend themselves. How can we believe one thing in church and another in the parking lot? A DOUBLE MIND!
THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS THAT A STRONGHOLD HAS
- Trying to believe God for a breakthrough in their church who cannot forgive a past hurt.
- Trying to believe God for a miracle in their city who cannot even enjoy their marriage.
- Trying to believe God for power to witness who do not even have the power to live holy.
AND SATAN SCREAMS, “DON’T YOU DARE BELIEVE IT! LOOK AT YOUR SITUATION!” When Christians know the will of God and do otherwise, Satan is able to blackmail them.
HOW DO YOU PULL DOWN A STRONGHOLD? Strongholds are to be destroyed, not just repainted or covered up with wallpaper!
There are four steps to be taken to accomplish this, all given in James 4: James 4:7-10
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
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SUBMIT TO GOD. Determine the will of God by God’s Word, then choose to believe it and to obey it. Tear down the partition that has allowed you to store two opposing truths in your mind.
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RESIST THE DEVIL. The most effective way to resist him is to die to your old self, putting yourself out of his reach. Quote the Scripture to him: “It is written!”
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DRAW NEAR TO GOD = AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU. We need to draw close to Him because our “speculations” have allowed us to drift away. Cross the threshold of fear and rejection – Jesus promises that He will draw near to you!
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CLEANSE YOUR HANDS = AND PURIFY YOUR HEARTS. Our hands refer to the “outward dimension” while our hearts refer to the “inward dimension.” A stronghold has been destroyed only when a double-minded person becomes single-minded!
LIFEGROUP QUESTIONS:
- Why do some Christian’s behaviors not match up with their spoken beliefs?
- How would you be able to tell if there is a stronghold in your mind?
- What means would you employ to pull down the strongholds in your mind?
“Son of Man”
JESUS Series Week 1
What could our lives look like if we pursued Jesus and sought to know Him more than ever before?
1 Corinthians 2:2 (KJV)
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Philippians 3:10-14 (KJV)
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
N.T. Wright he states, “Modern western Christians are the same: “We want a ‘religious’ leader, not a king! We want someone to save our souls, not rule our world! Or, if we want a king, someone to take charge of our world, what we want is someone to implement the policies we already embrace…But if Christians don’t get Jesus right, what chance is there that other people will bother much with him?”
Let’s start today talking about what Jesus was trying to accomplish when He walked the earth.
What was His objective? Was it just to come and die so that we could live in Heaven with Him for eternity?
Could there have been more to Jesus earthly ministry that we might have missed up to this point?
What it looks like when God takes charge on earth as it is in heaven…
Let’s look at Jesus the SON OF MAN through forgiveness and healing:
Mark 2:1-12
And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
According to the Gospels it appears that this is one of the first times that Jesus publicly referred to himself as the Son of Man.
Why did He say the Son of Man? Was Jesus trying to identify that He was human, born of the virgin Mary? Or was He referring to the great prophecy in Daniel 7 that was being fulfilled in Jesus the “Son of Man” – vs 14 “was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
In short, Jesus was saying to those who had ears to hear and knew well the prophecies of the coming Messiah…that He was the coming one…and what He was doing was setting up His Kingdom on the earth!
“Forgiveness transforms like nothing else.”
He showed the priority of the Kingdom in that HE FORGAVE FIRST, then HEALED!
Jesus goal in delivering us from SIN and spiritual death is to set up His Kingdom in our lives. Yes, He wants to Heal us, and make us whole…but we will never truly be whole or completely healed if the sickness of sin is allowed to remain. He demonstrates the Kingdom in this forgiveness and healing.
What it meant to the Friends of the Man?
What it meant to the Man?
What it meant to the crowd…
Specifically the homeowner..
APPLICATION
What does it mean for us today…what do we learn about Jesus that maybe we hadn’t thought about before?
- The Kingdom that Jesus was setting up was an everlasting Kingdom…it was establishing things to be on earth just like they were in heaven.
- Jesus healed people, but the forgiveness and separating people from their sins was His main objective.
- Through Jesus today – FORGIVENESS is our primary need. We need to forgive, and be forgiven! Only through forgiveness are we truly FREE!
- If you are paralyzed by fear, anger, frustration or unforgiveness…you need to be in the presence of Jesus.
Passion… Then Pentecost
TEXT: Acts 1:2-5
Accepting the Bible as God’s Infallible Word and Embracing the Gospel for Salvation – is the ONLY WAY to eternal life…
Each of us MUST have this experience and then share it with others.
Let’s dig into this and find out more about the Hope for Humanity!
Acts 1:2-5 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
The Passion & Pentecost are Inseparable
Passion = Suffering of Christ Gospel = Good News of Christ’s Death, Burial & Resurrection
This is the MOST IMPORTANT event in Human History
APPLICATION of the GOSPEL brings SALVATION
Jesus’ Christ Death, His Burial, and His Resurrection are very significant events in Human History. The truth of the matter is that the PASSION of Jesus Christ – His Death, Burial and Resurrection are the MOST Important series of events in Human History, because without it – we would be hopeless. We would be confined to manufacture our own worthless goodness in order to escape judgement for sin.
Pentecost is made possibly by Christ’s Passion After His Passion – Came Pentecost… What followed His Passion – or the GOOD NEWS OF HIS DEATH, BURIAL and RESURRECTION, was made possibly by His Passion – and it is the HOPE of HUMANITY…PENTECOST!!!
The First Application of the Gospel happened at PENTECOST!
What is Pentecost?
As Peter explained in Acts Chapter 2, it is the experience that one has when they Repent of their Sins, they are Baptized in the Name of Jesus, and God fills them with His Holy Spirit.
How we can Participate in the Gospel: We… 1) Embrace It , and then we should (2) Share It
EMBRACE THE GOSPEL PATTERN
Death – Repentance – Romans 6:1-2 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? – No one can die for you – in repentance you choose to die out to your flesh and your desires. We must choose to quit living in sin!
Burial – Water Baptism – Romans 6:3 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? In order for you to be buried, you should first be DEAD. – We will bury you – but if and only if you dead. The same is true spiritually, we wait until you have fully repented to “bury” you in the waters of baptism.
Resurrection – Holy Spirit Infilling – Romans 6:4 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. No one can receive the Spirit of God for you… You personally speak in a language you didn’t know.. Receiving the Spirit changes you – walk in newness of life – it is that Spirit that is going to raise your mortal body.
After His Passion…Came Pentecost. It couldn’t happen before His Death, Burial and Resurrection. What an incredible experience that is available to us today! We can experience Pentecost. It is not a corporate experience, it is a PERSONAL Experience that each and every one should have.
You will know if you have been filled with God’s Spirit — if, while you are praising, loving and worshipping God with your heart and with your mouth – you speak in a language that you did not learn in school. This special ability is a sign to you and to those around you that you are receiving God’s Spirit into your life and that you have totally surrendered to Him.
Imagine waking up tomorrow and knowing beyond a shadow of any doubt that if the world were to end tomorrow, or if Jesus were to return – that you would be going to heaven for eternity!! That is what is possible through your own personal experience of Pentecost today!
I know there are lots of people touting lots of different ways for you to be “saved”, but this is the ONLY Biblical way for you to KNOW that you have the same experience as they had when the Church began in the New Testament!
Today is when you should act, right now is the time for you to Repent and turn from Sin. Be baptized today the exact same way that they baptized in the New Testament, and allow God to fill you with His Holy Spirit!
Challenge for this week: EMBRACE the GOSPEL, and then SHARE IT!!, If it has been a while since you told someone about your Pentecost experience, this is a great week to do it again.
Don’t Look Back! SHIFT Series Week 4
Get on the straight and narrow path with Jesus and Don’t Look Back!
On February 19, 1519 the Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes set sail for Mexico with an entourage of 11 ships, 13 horses, 110 sailors, and 553 soldiers. The indigenous population upon his arrival was approximately 5,000,000. From a purely mathematical standpoint, the odds were stacked against him by a ratio of 7,541 to 1. two previous expeditions and failed to even establish a settlement in the New World, that Cortes conquered much of the South American continent. What Cortez is reported to have done after landing is an epic tale of mythic proportions. He issued an order that turned his mission into an all or nothing proposition: Burn the ships! As his crew watch their fleet of ships burn and sink, they came to terms with the fact that retreat was not an option.
Luke 9:62 (NASB) But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
1 Kings 19:19-21 (NASB) 19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him. 20 He left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 So he returned from following him, and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the implements of the oxen, and gave it to the people and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him.
The problem with most of us is that we are too Christian to really enjoy sin, but were way too sinful to completely enjoy Jesus Christ.
We’ve got just enough Jesus to be informed but not enough to be transformed!
Romans 11:29 (KJV) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
It does not matter what the addiction is from your past, it does not matter what the goal is that God has for your future life… until you burn the ships you can never leave the past.
This was a Elisha’s deciding moment. Elisha wasn’t just buying in. He was selling out. That is how you get on this path of commitment with Jesus Christ! A huge decision followed by dramatic action!
Proverbs 23:23 KJV ““Buy the truth and sell it not.”
Here’s a line for you to remember: I choose to lose!
I choose to lose my life in Christ, so that I might find the greatest life possible.
I choose to lose because losing is winning with God.
If you get back more than you gave up, have you sacrificed anything at all?
The eternal reward always outweighs the temporal sacrifice.
At the end of the day, Judgment Day, our only regret Will be whatever we did not give back to God! If you have not surrendered your life to God through repentance and water baptism in Jesus’ Name – that is where you need to start today. Turn your life over to Jesus and He will fill you with His Spirit – He wants to give you a better future than you can even imagine right now – but first you must give all of yourself to Him. When God calls you out of darkness into His marvelous light, He does it for a reason. Whenever He places HIS SPIRIT within you it is not so that you will ever return back to the way things used to be.
Luke 17:32 KJV
Remember Lot’s wife.
We have NO GREATER CALLING OR PURPOSE in our lives than to live to the fullest the LIFE God has called us to. Since He filled us with His Spirit, things will NEVER be the same! We have to make up our minds that we will never go back, and at the same time if there are temptations and strings that would pull us back to PLAN B or cause us to look BACK, we must ELIMINATE those things from our lives.
James 1:8 KJV A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Mark 10:29-30 (KJV) And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
ENEMIES of the Soul “Enemies” – Part 3 (The Devil)
Text: JAMES 4:7-10 / 1 PETER 5:8-9
James 4:7-10
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
1 Peter 5:8-9
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
ORIGIN OF SATAN (Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 10:17; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8).
WHAT SATAN IS
The tempter (Matthew 4:3). A liar (John 8:44). An accuser(Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Revelation 12:3-9). A hinderer (1 Thessalonians 2:18). A murderer (John 8:44; Hebrews 2:14-15; Romans 5:12-21). The god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4 ). The deceiver (Revelation 12:9; 20:3, 8, 10; 1 Timothy 2:14). Our adversary (1 Peter 5:8). The destroyer (Psalms 17:4).
SYNONYMOUS TERMS for SATAN
Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-14). Dragon (Revelation 12:3-17). Satan (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:9). Serpent (Revelation 12:9; II Corinthians 11:3). Adversary (I Peter 5:8; I Timothy 5:14). Devil (Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 6:11). The wicked (Ephesians 6;16).
THINGS SATAN IS LIKE
A lion (1 Peter 5:8). A minister of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 14-15; Galatians 1:8-9). A fowl (Matthew 13:1-19). An angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). A wolf (John 10:12; Matthew 10:16; Acts 20:29).
2 Major Areas of Focus for us as Christians: (1) GIVING PLACE TO THE DEVIL & (2) THOUGHTS AND IMAGINATIONS
(James 1:12-16) & (Proverbs 6:27-33).
Failure is within before it is ever exposed to others.
SCRIPTURAL METHOD FOR HANDLING THE DEVIL When God’s method is used Satan flees from the child of God (James 4:5-8; 1 Peter 5:8-9).
- SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD
- RESIST THE DEVIL, STEADFAST IN THE FAITH
- HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU
HOW TO RESIST THE DEVIL Four basic ways from the Scripture to resist Satan.
USE OF SPIRITUAL WEAPONS (Zechariah 3:1-10) (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
USE OF PRAYER AND FASTING (Matthew 17:14-21)
USE OF THE WORD OF GOD (Matthew 4:1-11).
USE OF THE ARMOR OF GOD (Ephesians 6:13-18).
At our disposal and free for the asking is everything and more that we need to subdue the enemy of our soul. Spiritual failure is not the result of improper and unavailable supplies; we fail because we don’t use what God has provided for us.
A Certain WORD in an Uncertain WORLD! SHIFT Series Week 3
For the last few weeks we have been talking about the SHIFT that is taking place in the body of Christ! Because of everything that has happened in our world recently – as a church we need to be ready to make the shift and be ready for the greatest revival the world has ever seen. So much has changed in the space of 3 months…it almost doesn’t even seem possible. So much uncertainty.
John 1:14 (KJV) 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The Word of God is much more than mere communication through language. The Word is personal, interactive, and alive. We not only have the “BIBLE” or Word of God, but we have the WORD made flesh, that now lives in us by the Holy Ghost. We are not just like everyone else.
In reference to the end times Daniel says.. in Daniel 11:32 KJV “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”
In our day, right now…we have so much uncertainty…so much information…but not all information is TRUTH… we see this in – Daniel 12:4 KJV “….shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”
Media is messing with you? …We need to KNOW our God like never before…We HAVE a CERTAIN WORD!
We know He lives within us if we have received His Spirit because Ephesians 1:13 KJV says… “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”
The Psalmist said… Psalms 56:4 KJV “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”
If you read Jeremiah Chapter 7… you will discover God talking to Israel about listening to bad advice and uncertain and deceptive words…this also applies to the church which is spiritual “Israel” He challenges them… Jeremiah 7:8 NASB ““Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail.”
Do you know what is worse than not having information? Having misinformation but believing it to be true and rearranging your life because of it, spiritually, emotionally, and so on.
Ecclesiastes 8:6-7 NASB “For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man’s trouble is heavy upon him. If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen?”
That is why this is so important for us today…there is way to much UNCERTAINTY outside of God right now – we need to lock on to a CERTAIN WORD!!
Isaiah 40:28-31 NASB “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”
This is the shift that is taking place today… The People that Know their God will be strong and do exploits… Those who take hold of the CERTAIN WORD!! This is that day, now is that time… Everyone else is uncertain and letting uncertainty cause them to panic and fear…to do things that uncertain people do… But we have a CERTAIN WORD…
There are some things we KNOW…not just because the Bible tells us so…but also because we have experienced the truth of them in our own lives! We KNOW that God LOVES US… We KNOW that GOD is real, and He is in Control of everything!! We KNOW that GOD is coming back very soon…Just like He said… We KNOW that if we are ready…Filled with His Spirit, Baptized in His Name…and living a holy life – we will meet Him when He returns… We KNOW while we are here…God is still our Jehovah Rapha (The Lord that Heals) We KNOW that Jesus is our Jehovah Jireh…
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NASB) “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
His Word is forever settled…. He Is the Same Yesterday, today…and forever… His Word is the Lamp for my Feet, the light for my path His Word is from Everlasting to Everlasting… The Word of God formed worlds. The flood of Noah’s day was by the Word of God. The world as we know it is being held by the Word of God. When the end of the world is come God will destroy this world by His Word.
Psalms 107:17-22 NASB “Fools, because of their rebellious way, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all kinds of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men! Let them also offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, And tell of His works with joyful singing.”
Matthew 8:5-10 (KJV) 5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
FEAR IS FAITH IN THE ENEMY GET A HOLD of the CERTAIN WORD
Take God at His Word – The principles of the Word of God can come alive in your life!!
What Stronghold needs to come down in your life today?What sickness needs to be healed? What MIRACLE do you need right now? What COMMITMENT do you need to make?
- Repent of your sins and turn to God
- Be Baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ to have your sins washed away
- Be filled with the Gift of the Holy Ghost today!
A Certain WORD in an Uncertain WORLD! SHIFT Series Week 3
For the last few weeks we have been talking about the SHIFT that is taking place in the body of Christ! Because of everything that has happened in our world recently – as a church we need to be ready to make the shift and be ready for the greatest revival the world has ever seen. So much has changed in the space of 3 months…it almost doesn’t even seem possible. So much uncertainty.
John 1:14 (KJV) 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The Word of God is much more than mere communication through language. The Word is personal, interactive, and alive. We not only have the “BIBLE” or Word of God, but we have the WORD made flesh, that now lives in us by the Holy Ghost. We are not just like everyone else.
In reference to the end times Daniel says.. in Daniel 11:32 KJV “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”
In our day, right now…we have so much uncertainty…so much information…but not all information is TRUTH… we see this in – Daniel 12:4 KJV “….shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”
Media is messing with you? …We need to KNOW our God like never before…We HAVE a CERTAIN WORD!
We know He lives within us if we have received His Spirit because Ephesians 1:13 KJV says… “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”
The Psalmist said… Psalms 56:4 KJV “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”
If you read Jeremiah Chapter 7… you will discover God talking to Israel about listening to bad advice and uncertain and deceptive words…this also applies to the church which is spiritual “Israel” He challenges them… Jeremiah 7:8 NASB ““Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail.”
Do you know what is worse than not having information? Having misinformation but believing it to be true and rearranging your life because of it, spiritually, emotionally, and so on.
Ecclesiastes 8:6-7 NASB “For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man’s trouble is heavy upon him. If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen?”
That is why this is so important for us today…there is way to much UNCERTAINTY outside of God right now – we need to lock on to a CERTAIN WORD!!
Isaiah 40:28-31 NASB “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”
This is the shift that is taking place today… The People that Know their God will be strong and do exploits… Those who take hold of the CERTAIN WORD!! This is that day, now is that time… Everyone else is uncertain and letting uncertainty cause them to panic and fear…to do things that uncertain people do… But we have a CERTAIN WORD…
There are some things we KNOW…not just because the Bible tells us so…but also because we have experienced the truth of them in our own lives! We KNOW that God LOVES US… We KNOW that GOD is real, and He is in Control of everything!! We KNOW that GOD is coming back very soon…Just like He said… We KNOW that if we are ready…Filled with His Spirit, Baptized in His Name…and living a holy life – we will meet Him when He returns… We KNOW while we are here…God is still our Jehovah Rapha (The Lord that Heals) We KNOW that Jesus is our Jehovah Jireh…
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NASB) “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
His Word is forever settled…. He Is the Same Yesterday, today…and forever… His Word is the Lamp for my Feet, the light for my path His Word is from Everlasting to Everlasting… The Word of God formed worlds. The flood of Noah’s day was by the Word of God. The world as we know it is being held by the Word of God. When the end of the world is come God will destroy this world by His Word.
Psalms 107:17-22 NASB “Fools, because of their rebellious way, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all kinds of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men! Let them also offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, And tell of His works with joyful singing.”
Matthew 8:5-10 (KJV) 5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
FEAR IS FAITH IN THE ENEMY GET A HOLD of the CERTAIN WORD
Take God at His Word – The principles of the Word of God can come alive in your life!!
What Stronghold needs to come down in your life today?What sickness needs to be healed? What MIRACLE do you need right now? What COMMITMENT do you need to make?
- Repent of your sins and turn to God
- Be Baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ to have your sins washed away
- Be filled with the Gift of the Holy Ghost today!
ENEMIES of the Soul “Enemies” – Part 2 (The World)
Text: 2 Peter 2:20-22 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Today we look at another subtle enemy of the souls of men – the world.
First it is important to identify our subject and focus in on this word from a Bible perspective, since the word “world” covers such broad scope.
DEFINITIONS Three important terms are used in the Scripture describing the world for us. Distinguishing one meaning from the other and keeping each in context is important.
– KOSMOS – Is a Greek word meaning the orderly arrangement of the world including its inhabitants. Sum total of what God has created. Refers to the fact that the world (kosmos), is the abode of man. The order of things within which humanity moves and of which man is the center. World, in the New Testament, in most places is translated kosmos.
World in the following verses would be properly translated kosmos. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not” (John 1:10). “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples make with hands.” (Acts 17:24). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).
– AION – Is a Greek word meaning a space or period of time, especially a lifetime. Used of one’s time of life or age. It also means a long space of time, eternity, or forever.
An age, perpetuity, a messianic period, present, or future course. World is properly translated aion in the following verses. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). “For Demas hath forsaken me having loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10). “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2). “Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:12). “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22).
– OIKQUMENE – (oy-kou-men’-ay), Is a Greek word for world meaning land, globe, or earth. The literal ground, earth, or scope of God’s creation. The inhabited earth. World would be translated to oikqumene in the following verses. “And the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14). “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” (Luke 2:1). “And the devil, taking Him up into a high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.” (Luke 4:5). “And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be a great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.” (Acts 11:28).
OUR ENEMY Our soul’s enemy is not the land surface described in number three (3). It is not necessarily the universe with its inhabitants described in number one (1). Rather our enemy becomes the age (aion), of number two (2). From each age (aion), there arises a spirit, inventions, allurements, enticements, carnal trappings, places, and events invented by man. Every generation of humanity produces an atmosphere and environment, peculiar to its own day that is destructive to spirituality if you involve yourself in it.
WHAT COMPRISES THE WORLD? You can pinpoint the elements that the world is made up of regardless of the age or time in which you live. Root causes can be traced to one of the following things (I John 2:15-17). LUST OF THE FLESH. LUST OF THE EYES. PRIDE OF LIFE.
We have desires, ambitions, and strong inclinations to be like our contemporaries and participate in the activities of our own age. Satanic devices, peculiar to our day, must be discerned as such, then shunned, avoided, and removed from our lives.
SCRIPTURAL WARNINGS God doesn’t alarm us without cause. If no danger existed nothing would be imposed upon us in God’s Word. There are dangers, and we are adequately warned; therefore let’s examine the Word of the Lord on this important matter. Each of these relate to the age (aion), of each generation.
The world has its pollutions (2 Peter 2:20). The world has its corruption (2 Peter 1:4). The world has its cares (Matthew 13:22; Luke 8:14). The world has its god (2 Corinthians 4:4). The world has its course (Ephesians 2:2). The world has its lusts (Titus 2:12). The world has its fashion (1 Corinthians 7:31). The world has its evil (Galatians 1:4). The world has its wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20; 2:6; 3:18; James 3:15-17). The world has its spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12).
A SCRIPTURAL METHOD FOR HANDLING THE WORLD The Biblical method for handling the world is to OVERCOME it.
– OVERCOME – In the original Greek this word meant to subdue, conquer, prevail, or get the victory. Webster’s dictionary defines it as to get the better of in competition, to master, suppress, prevail over, surmount, or overwhelm.
Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33). We are to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). There is a victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4-5). We can overcome because of the force within us (1 John 4:1-4). If we overcome we will inherit all things (Revelation 21:7).
God has made some glorious promises to the overcomers. Study these seven (7), promises…
PROMISES TO OVERCOMERS
EPHESUS – Eat of the Tree of Life – Revelation 2:7
SMYRNA – Not hurt of Second Death – Revelation 2:11
PERGAMUS – Eat of Manna, White Stone – Revelation 2:17
THYATIRA – Power over the nations – Revelation 2:26
SARDIS – Clothed in White Raiment – Revelation 3:5
PHILADELPHIA – Pillar in the Temple of God – Revelation 3:12
LAODICEA – Sit with ME in MY THRONE – Revelation 3:21
God will never take us out of this world to protect us just because we get saved. Only the rapture will eventually solve this problem of getting His church out of a worldly environment.
While using this world may we never abuse it (1 Corinthians 7:31). God’s promises are to the overcomers not the conformers (Romans 12:1-2). Your age needs a witness and you are the light of the world, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
You Are Worth It Mother’s Day 2020
We live in a generation in society that is devaluing life in general. I know some people pretend to care about life when it suits them – but then at other times de-value life. ALL LIFE IS SACRED – all people are precious to God. Ephesians 5:25 (ESV) Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
Today, I want to remind you that Jesus thinks women are WORTH VALUE – and He also places very High Value on the CHURCH!
What kind of example are you setting for the next generation -when it comes to the value of women?
How about when it comes to the Value of the BRIDE OF CHRIST?
Do you take the kids to church, but not follow the value system of the Word of God and the church you belong to in your private lives? This is very confusing to your children and could cause them to devalue the church.
There is a reason why so many people walk away from the church when they are at the age they can make their own decisions. The example was set long ago by the people with the most influence on them.
The good news is that if you find yourself in this place of having de-valued the church or women in general – there is time to make things right. Just as Jesus told the woman in John 8 – we are not condemning you…He is not condemning you – GO AND SIN NO MORE! It’s time to start placing value on the women in your life, and to everyone of us – it is time to start placing value on the BRIDE OF CHRIST the church – because Jesus says, even though the church is not perfect – IT IS WORTH IT!
REPENT, Be BAPTIZED in JESUS’ NAME, and Be FILLED with His Spirit today!
ENEMIES of the Soul “Enemies” – Part 1 (The Flesh)
Text: I Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Reading for Study: Romans 7:18-25; 8:1-13
Three basic areas we will cover in these next three weeks are: The Flesh, The World and The Devil.
DEFINITION Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance we derive the following meaning: FLESH – comes from the Greek word SARX which indicates human nature with its frailties and passions. It also encompasses carnality and being carnally minded.
ORIGIN When man fell in the garden of Eden, the LAW OF SIN (Romans 7:18-25), or the SIN PRINCIPLE we might call it, became a part of the human race. This corrupt, defiled sinful nature is automatically transmitted through the procreation process. Humanity’s bloodline not only carries and transmits physical death, but spiritual death as well (Genesis 2:9-17; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19).
We have this treasure in an earthen vessel (II Corinthians 4:7), and we will get a redeemed body when Jesus catches away His church (I Thessalonians 4: 13-18; Romans 8:11). God’s Word calls this the redemption of the body (I Corinthians 15:44; II Corinthians5:1-8; Romans 8:23).
WORKS OF THE FLESH You can look up the meanings of each of these words in as many sources as are available to you.
- ADULTERY
- FORNICATION
- UNCLEANNESS
- LASCIVIOUSNESS
- IDOLATRY
- WITCHCRAFT
- HATRED
- VARIANCE
- EMULATIONS
- WRATH
- STRIFE
- SEDITIONS
- HERESIES ENVYINGS MURDERS DRUNKENNESS REVELLINGS
SCRIPTURAL FACTS CONCERNING THE FLESH
Here are several Scriptural facts relating to the flesh, for your own benefit you can research them further and discover the full scope of what they reveal.
- The flesh is weak, but the spirit is willing (Matthew 26:41).
- The will of the flesh verses the will of God (John 1:13).
- The flesh profits nothing (John 6:63).
- The lusts of the flesh are exposed (Galatians 5:16: 1 Peter 2:11; Ephesians 2:3).
- The filthiness of the flesh is spoken of (2 Corinthians 7:1).
- The desires of the flesh are mentioned (Ephesians 2:3).
- The flesh is not to be trusted (Philippians 3:3-4).
- The flesh, when sown to reaps corruption (Galatians 6:8).
- The sins of the flesh is noted (Colossians 2:11).
- The flesh spots our garment of righteousness (Jude 1:23).
- The flesh is not to be leaned upon (Jeremiah 17:5). The birth of the flesh versus the birth of the spirit (John 3:6; Galatians 4:23-29).
YOUR BODY – THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST Inside this earthly temple, there abides both the sin-principle and the Holy Ghost when we have been born again (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20)- A veritable treasure according to Paul (2 Corinthians 4:7). Christ wants to be Lord, and Satan wants to be Lord of our lives; herein lies the conflict. “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:17).
Several synonymous terms describe our condition and position as Christians. Study the contrasts in these seven (7), matters and you will better understand the conflict going on in your life continually.
TWO BIRTHS– Every saint has experienced two separate, distinct births in his life; one natural and one spiritual. With two such experiences, how can we expect less than a struggle?
That which is born of the flesh is flesh (John 3:6). We are born naturally: (1) Of blood. (2) Of the will of the flesh. (3) Of the will of man (John 1:13).
That which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6). Receiving the Holy Ghost is the birth of the spirit (Acts 2:1-4, 38; 1 Corinthians 12:13 ).
ALLEGORY – Study this allegory (Galatians 4:23-29), closely for insight on this point. A. ISHMAEL – was born after the flesh. B. ISAAC – was born after the spirit.
TWO NATURES– Every Christian, by nature of the fact that he is a Christian, possesses two natures, one fleshly and one divine.
We, by natural birth have a human, carnal, earthly nature (1 Corinthians 11:14; Ephesians 2:3; Romans 1:26).
Because we have been born again, we are made partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Both want to rule. so a fight ensues.
TWO WALKS– Walk in this instance means to order one’s behavior or conduct. Two roads rise to meet us; Jesus said one was narrow and the other broad. Before you choose one, do look at its destiny, because both of these roads lead somewhere.
We can walk in the flesh according to Paul (Galatians 5:16-17; Romans 8:4), or there is an alternate path.
Paul now presents a walk in the Spirit with better benefits than walking in the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17).
TWO LAWS– Law here is defined as a principle rather than a decree or command.
The law of sin and death refers to the original sin-principle man was possessed with at the fall (Romans 8:1-2).
The Law of the spirit of life delivers and makes us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 7:18-25; 8:1-2).
TWO FATHERS – In Adam we all die, but in Christ we are all made alive. Adam and Christ serve as the federal head of two distinct generations; the Christian has both as a Father. From each we inherit a nature, mind, and will, along with other attributes.
Adam is our father in the flesh when we go to the fountain-head of the human race (1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5:12-19).
Christ is our heavenly Father, by and through Him and His word, we are begotten again unto a lively hope (1 Peter 1:23; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5:12-19).
TWO MINDS – Now that we are saved we have the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Spirit to contend with. The intellect, wisdom, and knowledge of both seek to direct our paths (Romans 8:5; Ephesians 2:3; Philippians 2:5; 3:19: Colossians 2:18; 1 Peter 1:13 ).
The carnal mind that is enmity against God seeks to dominate our thought life and give us directions (Romans 8:6-7; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 ).
Spiritual mindedness brings life and peace when we walk after the bidding of the spirit and Word (Romans 8:6-7; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4).
TWO MEN – Two different bodies are not existent, but in one body there dwells two different men that Paul describes to us.
The old man is the carnal, sinful, and fleshly man that is born with these tendencies and is called the outward man (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22-24).
Paul describes the other man as the new man, or the inward man that needs renewing (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22-24; 2 Corinthians 4:16).
Paul tells us what to PUT ON as well as what to PUT OFF of this man (Colossians 2:11; 3:8-14).
THE SCRIPTURAL METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE FLESH
Our Bible is concise and clear on how we are to handle this enemy of the soul. Though unpleasant, the method is surprisingly successful. We are to CRUCIFY THE FLESH, in order to be alive unto God.
CRUCIFIXION – Was a means of death frowned upon by both God and man. Crucifixion is one of history’s most shameful ways to die. God’s Word declares those who are crucified to be cursed of God (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Christ was made a curse for us through His crucifixion (Galatians 3:13). Now we have the responsibility of crucifying the flesh, in a spiritual sense as a means of control.
Our old man is crucified with Him (Romans 6:6). Paul was crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh (Galatians 5:22-25). A CROSS is the means by which we are crucified to the world and the world to us (Galatians 6:14).
Discipleship has three prerequisites (Luke 9:23-25; 14:26-27). We are to deny ourselves. We are to take up our cross DAILY. We are to follow Him.
Prayer, fasting, Bible study, church attendance, altar work, communion and washing the saints feet, loving our enemies, giving our time and money, and witnessing are a few of the ways we can crucify the flesh.
Every lawful, allowable, human desire, no matter how scriptural, must at some time and place be cured, controlled, and abstained from for a season. This is crucifying the flesh.
We are excited to be able to “get together” online. You will not want to miss this first message in our new message series called SHIFT - In Position for Change. We will sing two songs “No Longer Slaves” and “Psalm 103 - Everlasting” - the latter of which was written by our own Kate Bond and recorded on the new IBC Live 2020 album (CCLI Streaming License #: CSPL043706).
If The Oil is Low… You Don’t Go!
TEXT: Matthew 24:37-44 (39) / 25:1-13
We are living in a time when everything is changing. As the scripture puts it…when all that can be shaken – will be shaken. There is a SHIFT that is going on, not just in the natural world and in our society – but in the spiritual world…and only those who TUNE IN will sense the SHIFT.
We read about the similarity to how things were in the days of Noah and the Flood to how things will be in the last days before Jesus returns…in Matthew 24
Matthew 24:39
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
I would like you to remember that little phrase KNEW NOT…
There is a similar story in Matthew 25 that immediately follows that is really even more disturbing… let’s read it:
Matthew 25:1-13 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
The POINT – If the OIL is LOW…You Don’t GO!
Spiritually, when we are not paying any attention to the meters or warning lights – things can get dangerously low!
We are snappy, critical, grumpy, frustrated, confused…and we wonder where our joy went, where our peace is, and why everything bothers us so much.
If we don’t learn how to have spiritual preventive care maintenance and service – we can easily miss the signs!
Even though things may be running rough – sometimes we blame it on everything else…we need to CHECK OUR SPIRITUAL OIL!!!
Because IF the OIL is LOW – You Don’t Go!
The Bible – uses OIL as a symbol of the Holy Ghost or the Spirit of God in our lives…We need to have the anointing oil of the Holy Ghost topped off in our lives at all times. It is spiritually dangerous for us and those around us if we are not full of the Holy Ghost.
The Wise are Prepared – The Foolish are Occupied with other things, but miss the MAIN THING – THE OIL
The issue that I have to face very soberly are those words – “and the door was shut.” – That is very FINAL…that means If the OIL is LOW, You Don’t GO!
THE DANGER OF SPIRITUAL PROCRASTINATION
There is a fable which tells of three apprentice devils who were coming to this earth to finish their apprenticeship. They were talking to Satan, the chief of the devils, about their plans to tempt and to ruin men. The first said, “I will tell them that there is no God.” Satan said, “That will not delude many, for they know that there is a God.” The second said, “I will tell men that there is no HELL.” Satan answered, “You will deceive no one that way; men know even now that there is a Hell for sin.” The third said, “I will tell men that there is no hurry.” ”Go,” said Satan, “and you will ruin men by the thousands.” The most dangerous of all delusions is that there is plenty of time.
(William Barclay: The Gospel of Matthew, vol. 2 [Philadelphia: Westminster, 1975], p. 317. From a sermon by Matthew Kratz, The parable of the Faithful & Wise Servant, 7/17/2010)
In December of 1984 there was a huge crash following a thick fog on the M25 Motorway in England. Early in the morning a truck carrying paper crashed in the fog. The warning lights came on, there were hazard signs, the police were there.
The issue with this crash which I’m about to share with you is very unsettling and keep in mind that there were over 20 people killed.
Here was the issue…Driver after driver traveling along the M25 trying to get to work, ignored the warning lights, ignored the hazard signs, and the fog and drove on.
The policemen, realizing what was happening, became possessed with fear as they could see the destruction and what was happening, and they actually started to pick up traffic cones and throw them at the wind shields to try and stop people and the people wouldn’t stop! They kept driving! One newspaper report that said this, “One of the policemen had tears running down his face as he threw cones at the drivers who would pay no attention.”
YOUR ACTION STEP:
If there is – No Oil – Get Oil (Repent, Be Baptized in Jesus’ Name, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost)
If there is Some Oil – Get Topped Off (Let God renew you, come back to your first love and have a closer relationship with Jesus than ever before.)
If your Oil is Full – Pray for and reach out to someone else this week.
Loving Well The “STAND FIRM, LOVE WELL” Series – week 4
You don’t have to choose STANDING FIRM OR LOVING WELL – Jesus encourages us to do BOTH!
(Galatians 5:6) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
We cannot ANTAGONIZE and INFLUENCE at the same time!
(John 13:34-35) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
1 Corinthians 13 Without love… All I say is ineffective.
(1 Corinthians 13:1) If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
All I know is insignificant.
(1 Corinthians 13:2) If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge…
All I believe is insufficient.
James 2:19 (KJV) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
(1 Corinthians 13:2) …if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
All I give is incomplete.
(1 Corinthians 13:3) If I give all I possess to the poor…
All I accomplish is inadequate.
LIFE minus LOVE = 0
(1 Corinthians 13:3) (If I) give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Loving Well (Daniel 6:1-5) It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel…”
- Serve them. (1 Corinthians 9:19) Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
Jesus did this! He could have condemned everyone, but He condemned no one!
Jesus connected before He corrected!
- Set an example for them.
(Matthew 5:13-16) “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. The greatest influence we can have on our world is how we live our lives.
- Share Christ with them.
If you LOVE WELL, you will have opportunities to SHARE JESUS!! (1 Peter 3:15-16) But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
“Preach the Gospel, and if necessary, use words.” – St. Francis of Assisi
How I act is more important than what I say.
On the final Sunday of April 2020, we are excited to be able to “Gather” online. You will not want to miss the opening countdown to see some familiar faces. We sing two songs “Greater Things” and “Miracles” - thanks to all who make our Sunday Worship possible (CCLI Streaming License #: CSPL043706). Pastor A.J. Dummitt preaches the final message of the “Love is WHY” series - Love is Why WE Go, Give, Serve and Stay. We are so thrilled that you are joining us today.
LOVE is WHY – We Give, Go, Serve & Stay “LOVE IS WHY” SERIES
2 Corinthians 5:13-15 (NIV) 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
LOVE IS WHY WE GO
We are COMMANDED to GO by HIS WORD, and We are COMPELLED to GO by HIS LOVE!
THAT IS WHY WE GO – BECAUSE OF THE GREAT LOVE OF JESUS for this WHOLE WORLD!!
Mark 16:15 (KJV) 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
God’s ultimate goal is to assemble a vast and diverse family that represents “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9-10). Who wouldn’t love a front row seat to God’s heart in action?
Exposure breeds a burden.
LOVE IS WHY WE GIVE
LOVE, is the why – because we LOVE God and we LOVE people.
1 John 3:17-18 (NIV) 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
The decision to give is not primarily financial in nature. It’s rooted in 1) the nature of God and 2) our relationship with Him.
John 3:16 tells us that “God so loved the world that He gave …” The message of John 3:16 is that love gives.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
We don’t just give of our FINANCES or our TREASURE…but we also give of our TIME and our TALENT to God. Don’t be stingy in any area…imitate God and give willingly your very best out of love!
LOVE IS WHY WE SERVE
In John 13:15, Jesus sets an example for us to follow. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you,” Jesus says.
Jesus, God manifest in the flesh, never placed Himself in a position above others. He led by serving, and He loved by serving.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. – Philippians 2:3-5
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13
The ONLY thing that will keep you grounded during times of offense, hurt, or uncertainty is the LOVE of God for YOU, and your love for GOD!
LOVE IS WHY WE STAY
Nothing can separate us from His love…but we sometimes allow things to drive a wedge in our relationship with Him and with others.
The Bible says that JESUS endured the CROSS (despising the SHAME) – for the JOY that was set before Him. He STAYED when it would have been much easier to GO! Jesus proved His LOVE by staying.
When asked about what it would be like before His return, Jesus made this stunning statement to His disciples:
“And many will turn away from Me and betray and hate each other….Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:1–12 NLT)
Paul said…2 Timothy 4:10 (KJV)
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,…
Sometimes we are offended, sometimes we love the things of the world, more than the things of God.
Start right here today!
If God has convicted you of things during this message today that you know displease Him – you need to take time to acknowledge those things to Him, right now!
Ask God to forgive you for those things, and make up your mind that you will move away from them going forward. (Repentance is a change of Heart and Mind).
You then need to be BAPTIZED in the Name of Jesus Christ to wash away all your sins and the stains of your past. Through repentance and baptism you are able to move towards your new life in Jesus Christ. Jesus promises to fill you with His Spirit – the gift of the Holy Ghost and that is how the Love of God is shed abroad in our hearts (the scripture tells us that it is by the Holy Ghost).
If you are having trouble with any of these things today…GOING, GIVING, SERVING, or STAYING…you need to come back to the LOVE OF JESUS!
STANDING FIRM
Stand Firm, Love Well Series
Rev. Nate Grace – April 22, 2020
Text: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. NIV
Exegeting the Scripture: The process of careful, analytical study of biblical text in order to produce useful interpretations of the text.
The apostle Paul is writing to the Church at Corinth and at the end of his letter, he provides concluding exhortations.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. NIV
The two english words, “stand firm” are transliterated from the one Greek word stēkō, pronounced “stā’-kō”
The meaning of stēkō is to stand firm, to persevere, to keep one’s standing
1 Corinthians 16:14– Do everything in love.
The English word love from this verse is transliterated from the one Greek word agapē
Agape love is selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love
The concept of standing firm is also exemplified by many God-fearing men and women in the Old Testament.
One such example is found in the book of Daniel.
Standing Firm In A Bow Down World
Daniel 3:1-7
King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it. Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Standing firm takes COURAGE.
(Daniel 3:16) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not worried about what will happen to us.”
– They crave acceptance from PEOPLE rather than from God.
– They do just enough in church to alleviate their GUILT.
– They gauge their spirituality by COMPARING themselves to others.
– They rarely WITNESS about the Lord to others.
– They only GIVE when it doesn’t hurt their standard of living.
– They want the BENEFITS of serving God but no responsibilities.
– They think more about life on earth than about ETERNITY.
– They only turn to God when they are in TROUBLE.
– They ignore any Scriptures that affect their personal LIFESTYLE.
– They are not very much different than the rest of the WORLD.
Standing firm takes faith
(Daniel 3:17-18 TLB) “If we are thrown into the flaming furnace, our God is able to deliver us; and he will deliver us out of your hand, Your Majesty. But if he doesn’t, please understand, sir, that even then we will never under any circumstance serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have erected.”
Standing firm inspires others
(Daniel 3:28-30) Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
Living a Stand-up Life in a Bow-down World
1.Stand in prayer.
(Ephesians 6:11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
(Ephesians 6:13-14) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…
- Stand for my purpose.
(1 Corinthians 15:58) Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
- Stand for GOD.
When I Stand Firm, Jesus Stands With Me
(Matthew 10:32 Message) “Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven.”
(Colossians 3:1) …where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
(Acts 7:55-56) But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
With all the debate over what is and what is not ESSENTIAL - we are going to explore Love is Why the Church of Jesus Christ is Essential. We sing two songs “Open Up The Heavens” and “Waymaker”. (CCLI Streaming License #: CSPL043706). Thank you so much for joining us online for our Sunday Live experience with theCrossroads - we are so glad to have you.
LOVE is WHY – Church Is Essential “LOVE IS WHY” SERIES
Matthew 16:16-18 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
LOVE IS WHY the CHURCH IS ESSENTIAL! A building is NOT what Jesus died for – it is not what He redeemed by His blood, and He will not be taking a CHURCH BUILDING to be with Him for eternity.
The Church Jesus established is ESSENTIAL. It was founded by Him, and should remain in His control. It started in Jerusalem – but it was not His will for it to remain in Jerusalem.
After his resurrection Christ appeared to his apostles and said, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in my name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46,47).
Then in Acts 1:8, just before he ascended back to heaven, Jesus said to the apostles, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Observe in this statement that Jesus said the apostles would receive power (power to preach the gospel in all its fullness, resulting in the coming of the kingdom or church) when the Holy Ghost came upon them. In Acts 2:1-4 we find the Holy Ghost filling the apostles and those in the upper room and them being empowered to speak in tongues on the day of Pentecost.
As a result of the Peter’s preaching that day, people were pricked in their heart and asked what to do to be forgiven of their sins (Acts 2:37). They were instructed, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). So the church Jesus established started in the city of Jerusalem in the year 33 A.D. by Christ upon the bedrock foundation truth that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. On every occasion after that when people heard of Christ, believed in Him, repented of their sins, were baptized for the remission of their sins and received His Spirit, the Lord added them to his church. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).
WHY? First of all – You are a MEMBER OF THE BODY of CHRIST God desires for his body—his church—to be a public movement who lives for His glory and the good of others (John 17:21-23)
Secondly – Christians are commanded to submit to the leaders of their local church The pastor of a local church never possess absolute authority. Whatever authority they have is delegated by Gof
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (KJV) 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 2 Timothy 4:1-4 (KJV) 1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
LOVE IS WHY – Jesus Established this ESSENTIAL CHURCH! Worship – Fellowship – Discipleship – Ministry – Mission Hebrews 10:24: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 1 Peter 4:10: Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
LOVE IS WHY – Jesus Established this ESSENTIAL CHURCH! He loved the world enough to establish the church so that people could be saved, delivered, healed, discipled and sent on mission to reach others.
How do you decide on a church family: The true church is founded upon the REVELATION of who Jesus Christ is…that is where your decision needs to begin. You need to make sure that your church family you connect to teaches, preaches and believes that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. That you can have eternal life through obedience to the Word of God which starts with Repentance or turning away from all your sin and turning to God. Followed by Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ (complete immersion in the water) to wash away sin, and then the infilling of the Spirit of God or the Gift of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in a heavenly language as God’s Spirit gives you the ability to do so. Pray and seek God through fasting – and don’t wait on “the PERFECT CHURCH” – if you find a church that preaches the TRUTH in LOVE and LOVES YOU and your family – you have probably found the right church. They may not sing the songs you like, or have the ministry for Kids that you think they should, or a multitude of other things…but maybe that is why God is placing you at that church. When you come – it changes the flavor a little more and maybe God will lead you to help with the ministry area that they are currently lacking in.
The Lonely Ember A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor’s visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a big chair near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made himself comfortable but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the play of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet fascination. As the one lone ember’s flame diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and “dead as a doornail.” Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. Just before the pastor was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said, “Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.”
Rather than asking, “what do I get” out of being connected to my local church ask, what do I give? When we are connected, as the Lord commanded, we give so much to each other. You not only receive, but you are a blessing as you give. Who does it hurt the most when you are not connected? It hurts your church and your pastor – but it hurts you and your family more!
LOVE IS WHY – Jesus Established this ESSENTIAL CHURCH! He loves you and your family enough to place you with others who are ESSENTIAL in your life and spiritual well being. You are not alone – He has given you a pastor who wants more than anything to see you and your whole family make it to heaven. This is why you need to connect to HIS ESSENTIAL CHURCH! When you realize how much He loves you and the blessing it is to be a part of His body – it should encourage you to connect more.
Saturday After Easter Revival - Pastor Paul Pamer - April 18, 2020
On this final night of our cyber revival we are glad to welcome Pastor Paul Pamer from the Apostolic Church of Barberton, Ohio. (https://apostolicchurch.com/) Pastor Paul and his wife Brooke Pamer currently serve as senior pastors of Apostolic Church. Continuing the legacy of leadership by Bishop Emeritus Nelson & Grace Pamer and Bishop Rod & Nan Pamer, their vision is to see continued growth and reach their community. Pastor A.J. & Cathy were at Indiana Bible College the same time as and became friends with Pastor Paul. You will truly enjoy the outstanding preaching of this great man of God. Thank you so much for joining us tonight.
Friday After Easter Revival - Pastor Raymond Woodward - April 17, 2020
Tonight we welcome Pastor Raymond Woodward from Capital Community Church in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Pastor Woodward is a well known teacher and preacher who makes an impact in his generation mentoring and leading others to be their best. He speaks to thousands of people every week and is such a necessary voice in the day and times we live in. We know that God is going to speak to us and we will respond. Thank you for joining us.
Friday After Easter Revival - Missionaries Luke & Samantha Campbell - April 17, 2020
We are thrilled to have Luke and Samantha Campbell - Missionaries to Costa Rica with us to speak to us tonight. In addition to them speaking, we are sharing one of the worship experiences we had while in Costa Rica in June of 2019 at the Sunday afternoon service in Desemparados. They have a beautiful miracle baby boy named Asher. God is doing incredible things through the Campbells and their ministry. We are so thankful for all their efforts for the Kingdom of God!
Thursday After Easter Revival - Evangelist Mike Easter - April 16, 2020
We are excited to host Evangelist Mike Easter from Newport News, VA to minister to us tonight. He travels all over the country to minister and has seen hundreds of people changed and set free by the power of God. What a blessing to have him minister to us here on this livestream. If you would like to contact him, you can find him on Facebook - @MikeEaster (https://www.facebook.com/mike.easter.18) or online: easterrevivals.com - please reach out to him and let him know you appreciate his ministry.
Wednesday - After Easter Cyber Revival 7pm - Evangelist Mark Winters
We are excited to host Evangelist Mark Winters from Denham Springs, LA to minister to us tonight. He travels all over the country to minister and has seen hundreds of people filled with the Holy Ghost. What a blessing to have him minister to us here on this livestream. If you would like to contact him, you can find him on Twitter - @EvgMarkWinters - please reach out to him and let him know you appreciate his ministry.
Wednesday After Easter Revival - Missionary Lynne Jewett - April 15, 2020
Tonight we welcome - Missionary Lynne Jewett. Lynne was vital in the the establishment of an orphanage in Guatemala. H.O.M.E. International (A Home for Orphans, Ministry and Education), received their first child in October 2016. HOME is a fully accredited children's home working with Child Protective Services for the abused and abandoned children of Guatemala. This orphanage is very close to Lynne’s heart as she was an orphaned child from New Brunswick, Canada. The Lord has used this ministry to provide a place of healing to every child that steps through the doors of HOME. Contact Her: @LynneJewett @LynneJewettsAdventures @HomeInternational http://www.SupportHOMEInternational.com
Tuesday After Easter Revival - Evangelist Tim Greene - April 14, 2020
Tonight, we host Tim Greene, an ordained minister of the UPCI has traveled full time as a minister since 1998. Before that, he served as Youth Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Teacher, Pastor's Assistant, Prison Minister, Homeless Minister, Drama Director, as well as other outreach efforts available to him and his family. As a full time international minister, he has traveled across the United States as well as Canada, the Philippines, South Africa, Madagascar, Uganda, Namibia, Singapore, Malaysia, Greece, and more. He travels with his wife, Lois. In the life of evangelism, they are involved in many different areas of ministry including Holy Ghost and Healing Crusades, services for local communities, Bible Studies, Altar Workers Seminars, Youth Rallies, Singles Rallies, and Men's and Women’s Conferences and more. Through the power of a mighty God, they have seen countless miracles. Contact Tim & Lois Greene: http://greeneministries.com/ CCLI License #: CSPL043706
Monday After Easter Revival - Evangelist Felix Crowder - April 13, 2020
theCrossroads After Easter Cyber Revival Monday - Rev. Felix Crowder from Indianapolis, IN preaching from home. We are excited to hear what God has to say to us and respond to His voice tonight. Thank you so much for joining us.
LOVE is WHY He CAME, DIED, ROSE and REIGNS “LOVE IS WHY” SERIES
Luke 19:10 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
LOVE IS WHY JESUS CAME Through SIN – Satan gained power over mankind Simply put – We couldn’t save ourselves…and we were slaves to SIN – with a death sentence hanging over us. The only way for us to have life was for there to be a sinless human sacrifice that would pay for our sins. God loved us enough that He took upon the form of a servant – and put on flesh to save by His Love!
LOVE IS WHY JESUS DIED Very often when the Bible trying to find the most obvious expressions of God’s love, the fastest way is to beeline for the cross of Jesus Christ. Calvary is God’s statement of just how much He loves you. When you think of the immensity of God’s love, the first thing the Bible often asks us to do is to consider the price that was paid. Romans 5:8 (NASB) 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. It was love that motivated Jesus to come to earth and die on the cross and take the punishment as our substitute. The death of Christ was also a visible demonstration of the love of God for sinful humanity.
We could not die for ourselves – our blood wasn’t pure enough to save us…We needed Jesus to take our place. He LOVED us enough to DIE for us!
LOVE IS WHY JESUS ROSE On the cross, Jesus displayed that He can conquer corruption and forgive His people from their sin. Colossians 2:15 (NKJV) 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Acts 2:24 (NASB) But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.
Jesus loved us enough to not just die – but to rise from the dead. That is what we Christianity celebrates today – the fact of the resurrection! Thank God He loved me enough to GET UP!
LOVE IS WHY JESUS REIGNS
Why would you want Jesus to REIGN in your life? Because He truly knows what is best for you. He ALONE is wise! 1 Timothy 1:16-17 (NKJV) 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Jesus Loves me enough to reign over all the world, but also He loves me enough to reign in my life as well. Love is why He reigns in my life – that’s good because… He sees the Unseen & He knows the Future
If I’m in charge of my life…I am going to mess it up for sure…I need God to reign in my life. It’s not because He wants to be a dictator over me…it’s because He loves me and His wisdom is so much greater than mine…His ways are so far above my own. How arrogant I must seem to Him when I try to reign in my life…I need to let Him reign my life in His love!
How do I respond? Ask God to forgive you, and remove any sin from your life – All of us have past mistakes and sins, many times it is those things that cloud our perception to the fact that Jesus loves us no matter what. The devil will use those things to make you feel unloved and unworthy of love. So ask God to cleanse you of all those things today! There is no one here that is worthy, but there is a proper way to deal with your guilt and shame – that is to turn it over to God at this altar and LEAVE IT THERE! That is when Love can come in. Be Baptized today in Jesus’ Name – to wash you completely. His love made a way for you to be clean – why not take that step today to be identified with Him in baptism and have every stain from your past washed away? Be filled with God’s love through receiving His Spirit – God’s Spirit will enable you to love the unloveable and will bring joy and peace into your life everyday. When you receive it, you will speak in a language you didn’t learn in school. This is the initial evidence that you are receiving the same experience that they did in the church described in the book of Acts. Why don’t you make a place to pray right now in your home, in your living room or family room or wherever you are watching from and ask God to lead you closer to Him today. If you are not sure what your next step is after you have prayed – why not us right after service and get some spiritual advice on how to move forward.
The Babylon Mentality
Part 2 – STAND FIRM – LOVE WELL Series
How do we live like Jesus in a pagan culture!
We’ll either set the culture, or reflect the culture we live in.
You’ll either be a THERMOSTAT or a THERMOMETER.
– God has called us to be a thermostat! To set the culture.
Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
We are called to be SALT and LIGHT
Salt makes things better, Light makes things brighter.
We are here to MAKE an IMPACT!
John 17:15-16 (NIV) 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
Genesis 11:4 (NIV)
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves.”
Genesis 11:9 (NIV)
That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world.
Revelation 17:5 (NIV)
The name written on her forehead was a mystery: BABYLON THE GREAT. THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Isaiah 47:8-10 (NIV)
“Now then, listen, you lover of pleasure, lounging in your security and saying to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children.’ Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells. You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’”
Babylon’s motto: “I am, and there is none besides me.”
Elevate self.
- Self-adoring.
- Self-building.
- Self-indulging.
Notes:
Lower God.
- God doesn’t love me.
- God isn’t for me.
- God wants too much from me.
Notes:
Daniel 4:4 (NIV)
I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous.
Daniel 4:22
Your Majesty, you are that tree!
Daniel 4:25-26 25 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. 26 The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.
Sanity Restored
Daniel 4:34-37 (NIV)
At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
- I will exalt God.
Psalm 145:1 (NIV)
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.
- I will acknowledge God.
1 Corinthians 4:7 (LB)
What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you have accomplished something on your own?
(If you see a turtle on a fence-post you know he didn’t get there by himself).
- I will humble myself.
James 4:10 (NIV)
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
THE MAN ON HIS FACE CAN NEVER FALL FROM THAT POSITION.
Standing firm in a pride-inflated culture begins with face-down posture.
LOVE is the Reason “LOVE IS WHY” SERIES
Luke 19:10 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Matthew 22:37-39 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
1 Corinthians 13 (NASB) 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body [a]to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 [b]bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of [c]prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I [d]became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror [e]dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the [f]greatest of these is love..
It started and still remains because of HIM.
Human love is dependent upon the one who is loved.
There are two things that attract us to other people. The first is appearance.
The second thing that attracts us to people, of course, is personality—people who just ooze charisma.
There’s nothing “wrong” with human love, but there is one problem with it, and that is it cannot endure all of LIFE’S storms.
Divine love is based on the lover.
We have 7 teams that are motivated by the Love of God…the WHY for EVERY TEAM:
Evangelism Team – We reach out to our community to share God’s love with those who are hurting.
First Impressions Team – Because we have experienced God’s love in our lives, we do our best to make sure everyone that steps foot on our campus has a warm, welcoming and loving experience here.
Creative Team – The world is changing and people pay more attention to what they see in pictures, and on video and social media – so we use these mediums for good to share the great news and the effects of God’s love with them.
Worship Team – An atmosphere that welcomes the presence of the Lord, has the power to help people experience the LOVE of God in our services – so the worship team organizes, practices, and ministers with the goal of leading us all into the presence of the Lord.
Care & Follow Up Team – We not only want to welcome people and host people displaying God’s love, but we want you to know that you are not just a number, and that we are here for you for the long haul. If your desire is to get closer to God, and experience His love more deeply – the care and follow up team will continue the first class experience you had while you were with us. Because we love people with God’s love and we keep reaching out to them no matter what life brings them.
Kid’s & Students Team – Experiencing the Love of God happens much more naturally at a younger age, before major hurts and callouses have a chance to develop – so our Kid’s and Student’s team is motivated by God’s love to help our younger members have this experience.
Life Groups Team – The more you know God’s love for you and you experience His true transforming love in your life – the more you are able to love those around you, and encourage them to have the same experience. Our life Groups team is motivated by love to help us be Better Together and experience the Love of God to it’s fullest.
So what can you do today that will enable you to completely and fully experience God’s love for your life? Ask God to forgive you, and remove any sin from your life – All of us have past mistakes and sins, many times it is those things that cloud our perception to the fact that Jesus loves us no matter what. The devil will use those things to make you feel unloved and unworthy of love. So ask God to cleanse you of all those things today! There is no one here that is worthy, but there is a proper way to deal with your guilt and shame – that is to turn it over to God at this altar and LEAVE IT THERE! That is when Love can come in.
Be Baptized today in Jesus’ Name – to wash you completely. His love made a way for you to be clean – why not take that step today to be identified with Him in baptism and have every stain from your past washed away?
Be filled with God’s love through receiving His Spirit – God’s Spirit will enable you to love the unloveable and will bring joy and peace into your life everyday. When you receive it, you will speak in a language you didn’t learn in school. This is the initial evidence that you are receiving the same experience that they did in the church described in the book of Acts.
If you have never had a personal Bible study that covered the main themes of the whole Bible, – Make sure you check that as one of your next steps today on the connection card. You will not regret studying the Word of God. This is how we know and experience the love of God – through the understanding of His Word! If you aren’t quite ready to make that large of a commitment – start with doing 30 Days to Life with a friend.
This church has several ways for you to be involved in acts of service and love, no matter what stage of relationship with Jesus you are in. The reason we want to be the best church we can be is LOVE!
Why don’t you make a place to pray right now in your home, in your living room or family room or wherever you are watching from and ask God to lead you closer to Him today. If you are not sure what your next step is after you have prayed – why not us right after service and get some spiritual advice on how to move forward.
Call or Text us at (270) 351-6060. — God bless you.
GRACE and TRUTH
Part 1 – Stand Firm, Love Well Series Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Text: Daniel 1:1-6 (NIV)
Daniel 1:7 (NIV) The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
✓Change our IDENTITY .
Daniel: “God is my judge” Belteshazzar: “Lady, protect the king” Male Hananiah: “Yahweh has been gracious” Shadrach: “I am fearful of God” Mishael: “Who can compare to my God? No one!” Meshach: “I am despised, contemptible, and humiliated” Azariah: “Yahweh has helped” Abednego: “the servant of Nebo”
When culture shifts, we must know WHO WE ARE. Daniel 1:8 (NIV) But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
✓Compromise our STANDARDS .
When culture shifts, we must REAFFIRM OUR CONVICTIONS.
Daniel 1:9-10 (NIV)
Daniel 1:11-14 (NIV) Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
✓Create a CONFRONTATION . When culture shifts we must RESPOND THE RIGHT WAY .
John 1:14 (KJV) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
TRUTH : God’s standard. John 17:17 (NIV) Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. GRACE: GOD’S FAVOR .
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Without truth, we are CORRUPT . Without grace, we are CONDEMNED . Without truth, WE BECOME WORLDLY . Without grace, WE BECOME JUDGMENTAL .
Truth without grace is MEAN . Grace without truth is MEANINGLESS .
Truth and grace is MEDICINE .
Grace INVITES us to be free. Truth SETS us free.
John 8:1-11 (NLT) Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
HOLD HIGH God’s truth.
FREELY GIVE God’s grace.
Faithful to Heal and Deliver He Is Faithful
TEXT: Psalm 103:1-4
Psalm 103 A Psalm of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Psalms 107:19-21 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
How many known diseases are in the world today?
According to the World Health Organization a few years ago there are at least 14,199 codes for diseases or sicknesses that are know to modern medicine today. One thing you can be sure of is that the list will grow. Who knows when and where the next infectious disease will show up – and that is very unsettling to us.
In a report a few years ago by the American Medical Association the people who classify diseases, etc…stated that there were 39 general categories for diseases in the world past and present. I found that somewhat interesting because the Bible tells us that Jesus received 39 stripes upon his back – and it also tells us that BY HIS STRIPES we are healed! For every general classification of disease with every sub-classification below it – Jesus already paid the price for the HEALING!
Isaiah 53:4-5 (KJV) Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
So the Bible tells us that Jesus was outwardly wounded – for our transgressions. Transgressions are sins that we commit against others, and are usually outward sins. Then the Bible tells us that Jesus was bruised or inwardly wounded for our iniquities. Iniquities are inner sins or hidden sins that are usually not known to anyone else.
When they told Jesus – they said “he whom thou lovest” is sick…and I’m sure Mary and Martha did not understand why Jesus did not just rush right in and save the day. In fact you kind of hear in in their tone with Jesus throughout the conversation in John 11.
Just because Jesus doesn’t respond like we think He should does not mean that He doesn’t love us or that He doesn’t care about what we are going through. That is where our faith and trust in God come in…
I want you to know today that God really does care about you and what you are going through – He is working all things together for good – and He is going to get the glory when all is said and done!
(Jesus) loved me enough to be LATE! Sometimes Jesus does His greatest work in us and through us when all of the “conventional” methods have failed and we are left scratching our heads about why He didn’t perform the way we thought He would!
What issues do you face right now that you want God to “show up” to help you with?
Mark 6:12-13 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Until the fall of man in the Garden and sin entering the world – there was NO SICKNESS and no disease.
The good news for everyone of us today is that Jesus Christ can not only heal, but he can also forgive and cleanse us from sin which is at the root of all disease and sickness!
Luke 5 and Mark 2 – Story of the Lame Man
Mark 2:3-12 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was:and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
If you have sin in your life – you need to REPENT and ask God to forgive you – and you need to be prayed for…we will pray for you. The scripture says that the prayer of faith will save the sick…
Name some things God is dealing with you about right now:
James 5:14-16 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
The Pentecostals early last century handled the quarantine of the Spanish Influenza…they obeyed the requests of the government – but they acted in faith and prayed and cared for those who were sick and dying. l believe that we as the people of God need to pray and believe more than ever before – we will see healing, we will see deliverance – In the Name of Jesus through faith!
What are you believing God for right now? What will you step out in faith to receive?
The Blessing of the ANCHOR Wednesday Teaching (Online)
This week we will be discussing our ANCHOR – our HOPE!
Hebrews 6:15-20 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
– The anchors of the ancient days on the sea worked because of their sheer weight and friction as they lay at the bottom of the sea. In modern times, the anchor has a long cable attached to it that allows it to actually drill into the bottom of the ocean floor, or to lodge into the coral reefs or a bed of rocks. Still it works on the same principle: To keep the ship steady on the seas.
– In an age of great change, when morality is scoffed at, when at times the world even encroaches the borders of the church, when the straight paths of righteousness are frequently avoided, men have chosen substitute anchors to try to hold them in place in the stormy seas of life.
-Because of the lack of anchors, men often spend themselves in perilous pursuits. There is the search for significance, a search for some semblance of value as they live out their lives. Because the wrong anchors are chosen, life loses it’s value. Life becomes nothing more than a seeming quest for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
-The word “anchor” only appears four times in four verses. Yet, Paul makes an allusion to this word when he wrote to the Hebrews. There is nothing like having the Creator to be able to anchor the soul.
-Paul knew the great Jewish minds that He would be addressing over this particular issue. The Holy Ghost, driving both the mind and pen of the Apostle, faithfully warns of apostasy in the opening segment of the chapter. It is the Holy Ghost that is commanding that men be faithful to their God. Yet, as it often is with the Holy Ghost, the closing segment of this chapter confers to men great comfort.
We have to understand WHO we are TRUSTING in… This – is the REASON for our HOPE which is the ANCOR of our SOULS.
Our Hope is Jesus
It is knowing that we will spend eternity with Him Knowing that He will wipe every tear from our eyes We can endure the storms of life because of our PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE Hope that is wrapped up in Jesus Christ.
Our hope is not in GOVERNMENTS
Our hope is not in SCIENTISTS
Our hope is not in MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS or FIRST RESPONDERS
Our hope is not in BANKS, MONEY, or FINANCE
THE ONLY TRUE HOPE OF A CHRISTIAN is JESUS CHRIST and ETERNITY WITH HIM.
To rely or hope in anything else will only lead to drifting and loss of purpose in this life and the life to come.
WHY WE NEED THE ANCHOR
-The anchor has the capacity to hold the wind-tossed, the storm-torn, and the weary sailor can find rest in the most perilous times of life.
A. To Hold During the Storm – There is a small debate about the purpose of the anchor during the storm. A small group of sailors say that it is best if the anchors rest in the sterns and bows of the ship. They hold that the ship should be able to “roll with the flow.”
– The vast majority of sea-worthy sailors determine that the anchors should be dropped to the depths. The anchor should find the lodging among the rocks thus holding the ship in a steady position throughout the tossing. The anchor holds and keeps the ship from capsizing.
– The great howling around the ship, the creaking of the timbers, the tremors of the mast are all a physical part of the storm, yet the anchor holds.
1 Peter 4:12-14 — Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
John 16:33 — These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
– The anchor can relieve the dread of destruction. The anchor of Jesus Christ is of such quality that no matter how strong the storm is, the heavier the strain that comes upon it, it’s hold grows deeper and firmer. The storm, no matter how great, does not drive men from the Savior it merely anchors their soul deeper in the Rock of Ages.
B. To Hold The Ship During Discovery
– There are certainly times that the sailor will drop his anchor because he has found great wealth in the sea. When the sailor finds the productive place that the great catch is made, the anchor must be sure.
– There are times in life that God wants us to stay directly where we are. Nothing that God does is without purpose. He does not suddenly entrust men to a great soul overnight. Great buildings are not built overnight. They are built nail by nail, board by board, and brick by brick. Great souls will find themselves at times static without any seeming growth. -Yet, God who has determined the purpose for our lives directs that the anchors remain down in the depths. There are great treasures that are coming to the nets below.
Luke 21:19 — In your patience possess ye your souls.
Hebrews 6:11-12 — And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
-Patience is the journey of the making of a man or woman of God. Keep the anchors buried there are some great reasons that we have been placed in such a place:
Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance
-Let the anchor stay down long enough until you are free from:
The acid of bitterness.
The heat of anger.
The rival of jealousies.
The rot of covetousness.
The snare of the substitutes.
The lethargy of complacency.
– The anchor holds men against drifting away from the more important things that can be harvested from the sea of life.
Noah anchored deep and built an Ark.
Joseph anchored and delivered the world with God’s help through a global famine.
John anchored his soul and became the disciple of love.
Daniel anchored and walked out of the lions den.
Aholiab and Bezaleel anchored long and worked patiently and crafted the furniture of the Tabernacle.
Peter anchored and came back from failure to preach the most popular sermon in the entire New Testament.
Ruth remained anchored and in her patient gleaning found destiny at the hand of the kinsman-redeemer.
– A great prayer life is not built overnight. A great command of the Word of God is not captured overnight. A great ability of fasting is not found in the unstable life. Stay anchored to the place that God has determined for you to be.
C. To Give Rest
– Another purpose of the anchor is to give rest to the soul.
Matthew 11:28 — Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Job 34:29 — When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
Psalm 36:7-8 — How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
– The anchor of Christ has brought rest to many souls throughout history. There is nothing like taking the struggles of life and placing them on an altar. In doing this, we affirm, “God I have done all that I can do, You have to take it from here.”
-How much easier it would be if we could learn this in the beginning, to take the difficulties to the Lord in prayer.
D. To Keep the Ship From Losing Ground
– Another purpose of the anchor is to keep the ship from losing ground. There are times that the ship must navigate around the dangerous rocks of the headwaters. The anchor is run out and dropped, then the sailors will work the cable and swing around the treacherous point.
– It takes time, effort, and great energy to operate a ship in this manner. Yet, by doing this no ground is lost. In our quest for revival, the ship must not lose ground.
Repentance is not a loss of ground, it is the seed bed of growth.
Sacrifice is not the loss of ground, it is the strong cost and effort of revival.
Scheduled prayer is not a loss of ground, it is the energy of revival.
Daily being in The Word of God is not a loss of ground, it is the only way to keep moving forward.
– The ship does not lose ground when the anchor of Christ is guiding it around the horn. There is nothing that unifies and consecrates a life like some strongly held hope.
Matthew 1:23 KJV
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matthew 4:17 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Revelation 19:11-16 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.
Revelation 1:7 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Philippians 2:10-11 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Psalms 37:4
Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
John 18:36
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Acts 1:7
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
1 Peter 5:5-7
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Proverbs 3:11-12 KJV [11] My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord ; neither be weary of his correction: [12] For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
1 Kings 1: 5-10 5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom. 7 And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah. 9 And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants: 10 But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.
John 3: 16-21
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Hebrews 12: 5-11
5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Romans 5: 8 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 8: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Numbers 20:8-12
8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.
9 And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.
10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.
12 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Genesis 3:1-12 King James Version (KJV) 3 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 King James Version (KJV) 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
John 18:37 KJV 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
I find it amazing that Jesus also likened faith to a grain of mustard seed. Matthew 17:20 KJV 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. ... then He raises us up in newness of life and gives us HIS SPIRIT - we are MOVED into a new Kingdom - Colossians 1:13 says we have been delivered from the domain of darkness and translated into the KINGDOM OF GOD!
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
… This becomes clearer as we move through Isaiah: I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. (Isaiah 43:20–21) Sing, O heavens for the Lord has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob and will be glorified in Israel (Isaiah 44:23). ….. But Isaiah 48:9–11 makes even clearer what it means for God to seek his own glory in creating and redeeming his people: For My name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of My praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you but not like silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake I do it, for how should My name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. (NASB)
Join us as one of the Missionaries assigned to Puerto Rico, Bro. Paul Rivero preaches the word.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway:and again I say, Rejoice. 2 Chronicles 5:3 (KJV) Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month.
Hab 3:17-19 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Psalm 149:1-3 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced (jumped for joy) in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Luke 6:21-23 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Psalm 147:1 Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
Psalm 150:1-6 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16
Luke 10:1-9 KJV 1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. 3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. 5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. 7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you
Romans 6 (KJV) 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be [a]done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been [b]freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, [c]reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as [d]instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were [e]delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness [f]for holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit [g]to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the [h]gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Peter 2:16 KJV As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God 1 Peter 2:16 ESV Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God
(EHUD - Judges 3:12-30) Hebrews tells us “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). Ephesians tells us “the sword of the Spirit is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
Jeremiah 18:3-4 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (KJV) 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Ephesians 1:4 (KJV) 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Jeremiah 22:28 (KJV) 28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?
Romans 9:22 (KJV) 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Jeremiah 18:3-4 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (KJV) 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Ephesians 1:4 (KJV) 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Jeremiah 22:28 (KJV) 28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?
Romans 9:22 (KJV) 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
2 Samuel 9:1-13 1 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2 And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3 And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4 And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar. 5 Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar. 6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! 7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. 8 And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? 9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house. 10 Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11 Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons. 12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth. 13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.
Psalms 34:18 (NKJV) 18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Psalms 51:17 (NKJV) 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart-- These, O God, You will not despise.
Luke 4:18-21
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
Matthew 11:28-30 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Philippians 2:13 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Exodus 6:8-9 8 And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.’” 9 Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.
Joshua 1:9 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Galatians 6:9 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Philippians 2:13 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Luke 6:27-35 27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Matthew 27:57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
Luke 4:27-29
And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
Romans 12:1-8 King James Version (KJV) 12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
1 Corinthians 12:4–7 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Romans 12:3-6 (KJV) 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, ..... Knowing our gifts and talents takes soul searching and prayer and goes beyond just a test or assessment. But there are tremendous resources available to help us understand more about who we are and how we are wired—from spiritual gifts tests:https://form.jotform.com/91848003857161 To the role our personalities play in giftings, seen through inventories like: https://www.colorcode.com/free_personality_test/ https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test https://my-personality-test.com/true-colours https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test
Ultimately, our relationship with God will allow His Spirit to reveal our gifts and the desires that God will use for His glory.
Bro. Cooper speaks to the Church about how each body part is important. Our text is 1 Corinthians 12:12-18
Kentucky District UPCI Campmeeting Day session on June 6, 2019 - For the Glory of God.
An incredible message by Rev. Jerry Jones on the importance of God's Glory!
Revelation 3:1-6 KJV
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. [2] Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. [3] Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. [4] Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. [5] He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. [6] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Proverbs 12:25
25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad.
Psalm 27:1 (KJV)
27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 43:1 (KJV)
43 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
(If you have been baptized in Jesus’ Name..and Filled you are a Child of God!)
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (KJV)
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Ephesians 1:1-14 (KJV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Listen in as Pastor AJ Dummitt stresses the importance of having the Holy Ghost in our lives.
Ephesians 5:25-27 (KJV) 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
John 15:1-5 (KJV) 15 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION THYATIRA—THE CHURCH OF TOLERATION AND COMPROMISE TEXT: Revelation 2:18-29 Revelation 2:18-29 KJV And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; [19] I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. [20] Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. [21] And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. [22] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. [23] And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. [24] But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. [25] But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. [26] And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: [27] And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. [28] And I will give him the morning star. [29] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Exodus 14:15 (KJV)
And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
Exodus 14:16 (KJV)
But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
2 Kings 3:9 (KJV)
So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days’ journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.
2 Kings 3:15 (KJV)
But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.
2 Kings 3:16 (KJV)
And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.
2 Kings 3:17 (KJV)
For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.
2 Kings 3:18 (KJV)
And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.
2 Kings 3:19 (KJV)
And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.
2 Kings 3:20 (KJV)
And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.
Matthew 9:20 (KJV)
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
Matthew 9:21 (KJV)
For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
Matthew 14:34 (KJV)
And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
Matthew 14:35 (KJV)
And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
Matthew 14:36 (KJV)
And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION PERGAMOS—THE WORLDLY, CORRUPTED CHURCH TEXT: Revelation 2:12-17 Revelation 2:12-17 KJV And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; [13] I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. [14] But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. [15] So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. [16] Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. [17] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION SMYRNA—THE CHURCH UNDER GREAT PRESSURE TEXT: Revelation 2:8-11 Revelation 2:8-11 (KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; [9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. [10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. [11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
1 John 5:7-8 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 6:6-7 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Luke 24:47-49 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
IMMERSION (Greek “baptizo”) vs. SPRINKLING (Greek “rantizo”) MUCH WATER - John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. INTO THE WATER - Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. OUT OF THE WATER - Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. BURIED IN WATER - Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. PLANTED IN WATER - Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
“Name of Jesus Christ” vs. “Name of the Father, Son & Holy Ghost” JEWS - Acts 2:38 ... be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins SAMARITANS - Acts 8:16 ... they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
GENTILES - Acts 10:48 ... he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord REBAPTISM OF EPHESIANS - Acts 19:5 ... they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus PETER TAUGHT - Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. PAUL TAUGHT - Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
What about Matthew 28:19? 1. NO ONE is being baptized in this verse. 2. NAME is singular. These three titles don’t have any authority; they just describe the one name. 3. Matthew didn’t write this until AD 62. EVERY baptism for 30 years had been in Jesus’ name. 4. The Apostles didn’t just REPEAT Jesus’ command; they OBEYED Jesus’ command. There are no delayed baptisms in the New Testament. Acts 2:41 - “the same day” Acts 16:33 - “the same hour”
Acts 9:18 - “immediately” Acts 10:48 - “he commanded them to be baptized” Acts 22:16 - “why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord”
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I AM BAPTIZED? My sins are washed away or “remitted” Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. My conscience is cleansed from past guilt 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: I put on the only saving name, Jesus Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. I apply the burial of Christ to my life Romans 6:3-4
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. I am legally brought into God’s covenant Colossians 2:11-12 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. I am “born of the water” to portray my new life John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. BLOOD, WATER, SPIRIT ... THERE IS JUST ONE WAY! Remember how REPENTANCE means “destroy the house”? Well, you could say that BAPTISM means “drown the army”! Paul compares our baptism to Israel crossing the Red Sea, while Pharaoh’s army drowned. 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
2 Kings 5:1 ESV “Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.”
Galatians 6:2-3 ESV “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
2 Kings 5:5 ESV
“And the king of Syria said, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel." So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing.”
Romans 4:4-8 ESV
Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."
James 4:6-8 ESV
6 “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
1 Peter 5:5-7 ESV
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV
“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
https://www.kxxv.com/news/national/police-man-sees-spider-while-driving-his-cadillac-crashes-into-bus-shelter
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/leprosy-symptoms-treatments-history https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/leprosy-symptoms-treatments-history
Galatians 6:2-3 ESV “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Galatians 6:2-3 ESV “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
GIVE THEM TO JESUS Today we are celebrating Mother’s Day and dedicating children to God.
Mark 10:13-16 (KJV) 13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
HOW DO YOU GIVE YOUR CHILDREN TO JESUS? Here are some things we can do to GIVE THEM TO JESUS.
- START ON YOUR KNEES. Pray diligently for your children for the next 30 days. Most people already pray for their children. If you are praying two minutes a day, may I suggest you pray five minutes? If you pray ten minutes, may I suggest 20? I want to you double the amount of time you are presently praying for your children. Don’t just ask God to "bless our children," but pray specifically for them. Ask God to encourage them to be spiritually strong and morally pure, and to surround them with godly friends and to help them make godly choices. Pray that their choices would encourage spiritual growth. Remember that nothing of eternal value is ever accomplished without prayer.
POWER OF A PRAYING MOTHER
The year was 1820 and Peter Richley was a grateful man. He had survived one of the strangest and most harrowing events known to mankind. The ship which he had been traveling on sank. He was rescued. By some strange twist of circumstance, however, this ship sank. He was rescued again. But, this third ship sank likewise. He was rescued for a third time. Yet, his fourth ship of passage soon sank. And unbelievably, he was rescued for a fourth time, but this fifth ship sank as well.
It would have been laughable had it not been so serious. On the high seas, however, he floated with the serene confidence that somehow God did not want him to die. And sure enough, as if on cue, another ship came by and answered his call for help. This ocean liner, The City of Leeds, was named after it’s British city of origin. It was bound from England to Australia and traveled the same sea lane as Peter Richley’s downed ships. The crew of The City of Leeds hoisted Peter aboard. Dry clothing was provided to Peter. The ship’s doctor gave him a cursory exam, pronounced him fit, and then asked an unusual favor.
“There’s a lady on board who booked passage to Australia,” the doctor explained. “She’s looking for her son who disappeared years ago. She’s dying and she’s asking to see her son. She knows everybody on board and since you’re the only newcomer, would you pretend to be her son?”
Peter agreed. After all, his life had now been saved for the fifth time. He followed the doctor below deck and entered into a cabin. There on a small bed lay a frail woman with silvered-hair. She was obviously suffering from a very high fever. Deliriously, she was crying out. “Please God. Let me see my son before I die. I must see my son!”
The ship’s doctor gently pushed the young man toward the bed. Soon, however, Peter Richley began sobbing. For lying there on that bed was the reason that he couldn’t seem to die. Here was the lifeline that had kept him from drowning five times. For lying on that bed was none other than Sarah Richley—who had prayed for ten years to reconciled to her son, Peter.
The ship’s doctor stood in amazement as the young man fell down by the bed and embraced the sick woman. “I’m here mom! I’m here. It’s me!” Within days the fever had subsided and his mother awakened to find an answered prayer seated on the edge of her bed.
(This story was told by western writer Louis L’Amour in an interview he gave. This story bears out the saying, “truth is stranger than fiction.” In researching the Louis L’Amour website there were additional references that bear out this story to be a true story.)
Never, Never, Never, Never underestimate the power of a praying mother.
- ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES. Your goal in establishing boundaries is to give your child a sense of security through a consistent understanding of what is acceptable in your home. You can’t assume that a child "should know better." This ought to be for what they are listening to, looking at, and hanging out with. Keep your children SAFE from the JUNK this world is offering them! I have had people tell me that they want their children to be “STREET-SMART” - Can I just tell you that I want my children to be Godly-WISE, not worldly wise.. Explain the BOUNDARIES to your kids: At the end of the 30 days of prayer and discussing guidelines with your spouse, have a meeting to explain what you have decided. This process has taken place so that you will be able to redevelop your relationship with your children. They have been watching you pray for wisdom while discussing guidelines.
I read something the other day that I thought was appropriate here:
The Meanest Mother We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from other kids had, too. Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You’d think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.
We are kind of ashamed to admit it, but mother had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and all sorts of other cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do. She always insisted on us telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds. Then, life was really tough! Mother wouldn’t let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were at least 16.
Because of our mother, we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other’s property, or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. We never got drunk, took up smoking, stayed out all night, or a million other things, other kids did. Sundays were reserved for church, and we never missed once. We knew better than to ask to spend the night with a friend on Saturdays.
Now that we have left home, we are all God-fearing, educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that’s what is wrong with the world today. It just doesn’t have enough mean moms anymore!
- EVALUATE YOUR OWN LIFE.
What are they seeing in you? What kind of example are you setting for them? It is not helpful to keep your child from listening to the empty philosophies of most secular music and media programing, if you’re going to entertain yourself with the ungodly and unBiblical philosophies of R-rated media. You may not listen to lyrically explicit music, but what kind of music are you listening to? Usually, parents justify their listening because it is more “mellow” than what their children are listening to. It may be mellow, but is it moral?
Do yourself a favor, learn & explain the value of Christian music. It is impossible to properly explain the value of Christian music if you aren’t setting the example by your own listening habits. How can you tell your children they should be listening to godly music, if you don’t listen to godly music?
While we are on this, TAKE THEM TO CHURCH EVERY WEEK: It doesn’t take long in a vibrant church, full of faithful believers, for our children to recognize how different they are to the unsaved community around them. That helps them grow in their desire for Jesus and become a part of the body of Christ.
Did you ever notice how often our children listen to strangers better than they listen to us? The impact other believers can have on your children to introduce them to Jesus should not be underestimated. When the church reinforces what you’ve been teaching at home, it validates the discipleship of your children and helps protect them from the lies of the world. So don’t just attend the Sunday service, throw yourself and your family into the life of the church. And Lastly…
- CHALLENGE THEM TO THINK BIBLICALLY. How do you challenge someone to think? Ask questions without giving the answer immediately. To get someone to think Biblically, ask him a question based on Scripture or a scriptural principle. To get someone to think biblically about entertainment, the following Scripture has proved to be very effective. Colossians 2:8 in the Living Bible, "Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men’s thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said." This verse best describes today’s entertainment industry. Think about it. Isn’t today’s music some man or woman’s thoughts and ideas recorded digitally? Aren’t media programs on youtube, netflix, and redbox, just someone’s thoughts and ideas about life, love, violence, rebellion, sex, and drugs recorded digitally and fed to us as entertainment?
With that understanding, what are some good questions to ask your children and yourself? * How’s your faith in Jesus? * Is there a heaven? * Is the Bible true? * You say that your faith is strong? Good! How is your joy? * Do you have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control? * You remember the "Fruit of the Spirit" described in Galatians 5:22-23? Why doesn’t it radiate in your life? * Tell me your favorite Bible Story and act like I’ve never heard it before. * Quote for me the last Bible Verse you learned.
If you have been letting the world undermine your Christian walk (faith and joy) with their empty philosophies, it’s time for a change.
DEDICATION: This act of dedication tells the Lord several things that you as parents believe: 1. Your child belongs to God. You are the custodians for their care and nurturing, but they belong to God. Take good care of God’s property. Build and prepare them for the future. 2. God’s will, not your will, is best for your child’s life. If you are dedicating your child to God, let God choose their life. 3. You will do your best to teach and tell your child the ways of the Lord. The world is ready to fill this child’s mind, but you will instead fill their mind with God’s Word.
PARENTAL VOWS...
Charge to Church Family: Will you please stand to receive your charge? Will you do all that you can to provide and support a place of instruction where these children may hear the whole counsel of God? Will you covenant together as a family to set an example by your lives and to maintain an atmosphere which will inspire them to desire to live for God? So that these children may walk in the abundant life that Jesus offers, do you vow by God’s help, to be faithful in your calling as members of the body of Christ, to help THESE PARENTS to be faithful to God, and to help teach and train THESE CHILDREN in the ways of the Lord. Will you do as God leads you and pray for their salvation?
Those of you willing to accept this charge, please answer: “With God‟s help, we will.”
This is our prayer that Callen Jace and Kendall Lynn will one day be able to say: Psalm 71 1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. 3 Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. 5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. 6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.
"THE IDEAL WOMAN" - by Pastor A.J. Dummitt I heard one guy say… What if GOD IS a woman? Not only am I going to HELL, I'll never know why!
ALL MOMS KNOW THIS STUFF One mom was out walking with her 4-year-old daughter when her girl picked up something from the ground and started to put it in her mouth. The mother tells what happens in her own words: "I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that." My daughter quickly asked, "Why?" "Because it's been lying outside, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs," I replied. At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Wow! How do you know all this stuff?" I thought quickly and said, "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mommy." We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, as she pondered this new information. "Oh...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the daddy?" I smiled and replied, "Exactly." (From a sermon by Mark Opperman, Mothers: Guardians of the Heart, 6/19/2012)
This is Mother’s Day and I’d like to take a few moments and talk about the Ideal Woman.
What is the Ideal Woman like? You’ll get a variety of answers to that question! Some say the ideal woman is a woman who will obey your every whim, wait on you hand and foot, and literally worship the ground you walk on (I think the word for this is Male Chauvinism). Others say the ideal woman can do the work of two men, and if women were prime ministers and presidents, wars would end, unemployment would be eliminated, and world hunger would be a thing of the past (I think the word for this is Neo Feminism). The truth lies somewhere between these two extremes.
You don’t have to look very far to find a description of the Ideal Woman - if you have a Bible. Her description is found in Proverbs 31:10-31. Let’s read it together today…
Proverbs 31:10-31 (NASB) Description of a Worthy Woman 10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her [h]hands [i]in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And [j]portions to her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From [k]her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds [l]herself with strength And makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her [m]hands grasp the spindle. 20 She [n]extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And [o]supplies belts to the [p]tradesmen. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the [q]future. 26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the [r]teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who [s]fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her the [t]product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
This Proverb is God’s description of the Ideal Woman - and God isn’t a chauvinist, He is our Creator. Ladies, He designed and created you, and He knows what will satisfy you and bring fulfillment to your life. You would be wise, if you acquaint yourself with this lady and make her your role model. And keep in mind - this proverb wasn’t written to make you feel guilty or place unrealistic expectations on your life. It was written to build you up and show you your God-given potential. Let’s notice 2 items about the Ideal Woman. The person she is and the praise she deserves!
I. The Person She Is.
A. She is a Valuable WIFE. B. She is a Vigorous WORKER.
(1) She works hard at HOME (read vs 15 & 27). (2) She works hard at the JOB (read vs. 18, 24). (3) She even works hard when she SHOPS (read vs. 13-16) The ideal woman is a valuable wife, a vigorous worker, and . . .
C. She is a Virtuous WOMAN.
(1) Verse 20 describes the compassion she shows. (2) Verse 25 describes the character she has. (3) Verse 26 describes the counsel she gives.
To sum it all up, the Ideal Woman is Christlike!
II. The Praise She Deserves.
(Read vs. 28-31). For the most part, I’ve preached to the ladies - and I don’t want the rest of you to feel left out, so let me preach to you for a few minutes. Do you know why we ought to praise the godly women in our lives?
A. Because it feels GOOD. B. Because it honors GOD. C. Because it strengthens GODLY WOMEN.
Conclusion:
Husbands, teenagers, and children, praise her while you have her. And you will strengthen her, honor God, and add great joy to your own life (v. 28, her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her).
Pastor A.J. Dummitt challenges all of us to take God at his word and start surrendering to what God has in store for us, Choosing to praise God in the midst of our troubles!
Drawing on the Scriptures from Ephesians 5-6 about our Relationships - Rev. Ted Abbott speaks about his experiences of learning how Right Relationships show that we are a Masterpiece in Progress.
Rev. Stephen M. Drury preaches transparently about what it means to trust God through disappointment - knowing that HE is making a masterpiece out of us!
Special Speaker Stephen M. Drury, Director of the UPCI Stewardship Group speaks to us about how to crack the code of being blessed.
Pastor AJ Dummitt preached about looking out to the harvest fields (caring about the souls of the people around us). The people in our local communities, our surrounding communities, and the rest of the world.
The church is God's amazing masterpiece and it is showing how defeated the devil truly is...when we live in the authority and power God planned for us! Ephesians 3:1 - 4-16
Jesus made a UNITED church possible by His Death on the Cross. Both Jew and Gentile are now included in ONE Exciting Body...because THE GOSPEL HAS NO FAVORITES!
God wants to use the gifts and ministries that He has given us to FURTHER HIS KINGDOM!
Striving for the GOAL of Eph. 4:13 (That we all become Just Like Jesus) - and do things the way that HE would do them.
Have your mind made up - Eph. 4:14...quit being babies and infants - Be Responsible to do what God has gifted you to do!
When we use our gifts/ministries - we display God's powerful church - the masterpiece that it is! (Eph. 3:10)
Pastor A.J. Dummitt preaches about the things that are Made Possible to Us by the Blood of Jesus from Ephesians 2:11-22. We are his Masterpiece.
Pastor Dummitt preaches from 1 Chronicles 29:10-19 (NASB) - We need to LOOK UP to God. He is the source of our help!
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV) 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
God Can DO EVERYTHING! Can God Heal your body? YES LOOK UP Can God FIX your marriage? YES, LOOK UP Can God break addictions off of you? YES, LOOK UP Can God BLESS your finances? YES, LOOK UP Can God Protect and Help your kids? YES, LOOK UP Can God SAVE your family & Friends? YES, LOOK UP Can God give us DOUBLE for our TROUBLE? YES, LOOK UP
Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV) I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
What are you facing today? Look UP.
Our Help Comes From God!
(Almost 200 pictures from the past were displayed during this service)
To see a history of theCrossroads we have a few youTube videos available here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClAI_T5KgQoZbjoNpOgZecQ
LOOKING BACK
Looking Back at what God has done for theCrossroads since it Began in 1985 until this very Sunday.
A church reaches it’s prime; then either moves into a GREATER VISION ERA or the DEATH of that church begins!
This church has seen some incredible things, but I believe that the BEST IS YET TO COME…we have a GREATER VISION for the future, and in order to achieve it - we must take a look back and REMEMBER what God has done. Let’s Read Together…
Deuteronomy 6:10-12 (NKJV) 10 “So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, 11 houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full— 12 then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
It is VITAL that we take the time to Remember What God Has Done for Us. We must then pass it this to our children and grandchildren by Instilling Faith in the Next Generation.
When God brought the children of Israel over the Jordan River - they were commanded to set up a memorial with large stones to help them remember.
JOSHUA 4:6-8, 24 (KJV) 6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? 7 Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. 8 And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the Lord spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.
The purpose of the Memorial or Taking the time to remember was to REMEMBER what God had done, Instill faith in the Next Generation and also to Roll Away Past Defeats that they had experienced! GOD HAD GREATER THINGS intended for them…but they had to be careful to LOOK BACK and Remember what God can do!
It is great to look back, we will do that, and then we will MOVE FORWARD to the GREATER THINGS God has planned for this church and community!
(Media - walk through history of the church and people)
I want to challenge you right now…take a second to LOOK BACK and see WHAT GOD HAS DONE in your life and let your heart fill up with gratitude and thankfulness!
Let’s read a few more scriptures as we close today:
Joshua 13:1 (NKJV) Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: “You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed.
Philippians 3:12 NKJV Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
KEY POINT of this MESSAGE TODAY: Our dreams must be bigger than our memories!
God is not finished yet. We LOOK BACK to REMEMBER what God has done, to Instill faith in the Next Generation and see how God is Rolling Away our Past Defeats that we have experienced! GOD HAD GREATER THINGS intended for US!
We have a choice today…a choice to be part of the GREATER FUTURE of this church!
Pastor Dummitt preaches about how we are the handiwork of God, God's WORK of ART, His Masterpiece. It started with salvation and being quickened from Death to Life!
Are you part of the "I Beat Myself Up Club"? If you are, then you need to interact with this series of messages on how you are a Masterpiece in progress.
Pastor Dummitt preaches about God's Master Plan for you from Ephesians chapter 1. You will be encouraged to know that a Relationship with the Master-Planner (God) will bring four things into your life:
1) Restoration (We are all Fixer Uppers)
2) Inheritance (We are the Children of God)
3) Wisdom (Along with Revelation and Understanding)
4) Power (Resurrection Power to be exact)
- There is nothing to FEAR!
Trust God with the Master Plan for your life!
Pastor A.J. Dummitt Preaches the Keynote Message of 2019 from Haggai 1-2. God is giving us the opportunity for GREATER in our lives, our families, our church and our communities. Will we rise to the CHALLENGE and make the most of the opportunity that God has given us? Listen and Apply this message to your life today!
God's Timing is Always Right
Text: John 11:11-15, 39-44 / Matthew 26:47-50
John 11:11 11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. John 11:12 12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. John 11:13 13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. John 11:14 14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. John 11:15 15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
John 11:39 39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. John 11:40 40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? John 11:41 41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. John 11:42 42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. John 11:43 43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. John 11:44 44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Matthew 26:47 47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Matthew 26:48 48Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. Matthew 26:49 49And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. Matthew 26:50 50And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
HANG IN THERE Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl, One was an optimistic soul But the other took the gloomy view, "I shall drown he cried, "and so will you." So with a last despairing cry, He closed his eyes and said, "Good-bye." But the other frog, with a merry grin, Said, "I can't get out, but I won't give in! I'll swim around till my strength is spent. For having tried, I'll die content." Bravely he swam until it would seem His struggles began to churn the cream. On the top of the butter at last he stopped And out of the bowl he happily hopped. What is the moral? It's easily found. If you can't get out--keep swimming around!
--James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1988), p. 394.
FAITHFUL
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 1:9, 4:2
One of the most tragic events during the Reagan Presidency was the Sunday morning terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, in which hundreds of Americans were killed or wounded as they slept. Many of us can still recall the terrible scenes as the dazed survivors worked to dig out their trapped brothers from beneath the rubble.
A few days after the tragedy, Marine Corps Commandant Paul X Kelly, visited some of the wounded survivors then in a Frankfurt, Germany, hospital. Among them was Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton, severely wounded in the incident. Nashton had so many tubes running in and out of his body that a witness said he looked more like a machine than a man; yet he survived.
As Kelly neared him, Nashton, struggling to move and racked with pain, motioned for a piece of paper and a pen. He wrote a brief note and passed it back to the Commandant. On the slip of paper were but two words -- "Semper Fi" the Latin motto of the Marines meaning "forever faithful." With those two simple words Nashton spoke for the millions of Americans who have sacrificed body and limb and their lives for their country -- those who have remained faithful.
J. Dobson & Gary Bauer, Children at Risk, Word, 1990, pp. 187-188.
1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2 Corinthians 1:18 But [as] God [is] true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
FAITHFUL - comes from the GREEK ‘pistos’ which simply means: trusty - that can be relied on
If You Want a Promotion George Boldt worked faithfully for years at the front desk in a small hotel. One day an elderly couple came into the lobby and asked for a place to stay. Every room in the hotel—and every hotel in town—was occupied. Realizing that the elderly couple had nowhere to sleep, Boldt offered them his own room. Although they were reluctant to accept his offer, they eventually did so because George insisted. The next morning when the couple was checking out, the elderly man said to George, "You're the kind of man who should be managing the best hotel in the country. Some day I'm going to build that hotel and let you manage it."
Several years later, Boldt received a letter in the mail. It contained a round-trip ticket and a note from the man to whom he had given his room years before. The man invited George to visit him in New York City.
When Boldt arrived in New York, the gentleman took him to a downtown corner where a huge building stood. “George, this is the hotel I built for you to manage."
Boldt stared in amazement at the glorious structure. The hotel was the Waldorf-Astoria! The elderly man was William Waldorf Astor, one of the wealthiest men in the country. Boldt’s faithfulness in managing a small hotel had prepared him to manage one of the most magnificent hotels this country has ever seen. On judgment day, God will examine how well we managed our lives on earth. If we were faithful in fulfilling our responsibilities in this life, He will assign us better things to manage in the next life. (Kent Crockett, Making Today Count for Eternity, Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2001, pp. 50-51)
1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it].
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep [you] from evil.
Dynamite and Firecrackers How we manage little things indicates what we would do if we had more. Why would God give dynamite to someone who can’t handle a firecracker? (Kent Crockett, Making Today Count for Eternity, Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2001, p. 150)
WHAT DOES FAITHFULNESS LOOK LIKE? 1. The first mark of faithfulness is ACCOUNTABILITY.
All of us as Christians are going to be held accountable. Who will you and I be accountable to? We are going to be accountable to God. It would be a good idea to start being accountable NOW - be accountable to your spouse, to your pastor and other leaders…your job probably has systems in place to keep you accountable.
In the judgement - God will ask: What did you do do with the Gospel? What did you do with what I gave you? our time, talents, possession, and information HE WILL JUDGE IF WE HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL!
25 cents at at time Fred Craddock, teaching the practical implications of consecration said… "To give my life for Christ appears glorious," he said. "To pour myself out for others. . . to pay the ultimate price of martyrdom -- I'll do it. I'm ready, Lord, to go out in a blaze of glory. "We think giving our all to the Lord is like taking $l,000 bill and laying it on the table-- 'Here's my life, Lord. I'm giving it all.' But the reality for most of us is that he sends us to the bank and has us cash in the $l,000 for quarters. We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there. Listen to the neighbor kid's troubles instead of saying, 'Get lost.' Go to a committee meeting. Give a cup of water to a shaky old man in a nursing home. Usually giving our life to Christ isn't glorious. It's done in all those little acts of love, 25 cents at at time. It would be easy to go out in a flash of glory; it's harder to live the Christian life little by little over the long haul." Darryl Bell.
- The second mark of faithfulness is PREPAREDNESS.
If we are faithful we are to always to be prepared. There is a parable in Mathew chapter 25
- The third mark of faithfulness is COMMITMENT.
Jesus said it this way:
“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (HCSB)
He also said:
“He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:38 (NKJV)
The commitments we make – MAKE US.
The commitments we make – SHAPE OUR LIVES.
God does not require a lot of things from you. You’re not required to be brilliant. You’re not required to be articulate. You’re not required to be literate. You’re not required to be handsome or beautiful. You’re not required to be eloquent. But you are required to be faithful.
THE GOOD NEWS - If you will be FAITHFUL TO GOD, HE will be FAITHFUL to you. It starts by REPENTANCE, then BAPTISM FOLLOWS..
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Once you have been baptized in Jesus’ Name and repented of your sins - you are ready to receive God’s Spirit - the gift of the Holy Ghost.
TAKING THE LIMITS OFF
God’s LOVE - Week 3
Texts: Matthew 22:37-39 / John 14 & 15
TEXT: Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself
Most people are not able to Love God and Love Others like they should because they do not yet know how to love themselves.
If you can learn how to love yourself and respect yourself because you see the value and worth God has placed on you - then you will be able to receive the Love that He has for you.
People dislike themselves for all kinds of reasons…some people were born to parents or a parent who degraded them constantly and caused them to feel bad about themselves. Others have been made fun of for physical characteristics that they may or may not have any control over - and so they feel insecure and inadequate.
Many people today live with guilt from things that have happened to them in the past or maybe some life-changing mistakes they have made. They feel like they can never move on from these things because they were “BRANDED” by them. Some have had major failures and setbacks in jobs, careers, education and relationships that have instigated the self-loathing process.
There are so many other reasons why people today have trouble not loving themselves or even LIKING themselves. So seeing this trend in our society - I am very burdened for PEOPLE! It is very easy for us to be judgmental and look down our noses at everyone around us - but what did Jesus do when he came across the same issue in His society? Of all the recorded instances of Jesus meeting people - Did you know that the majority of people that Jesus met didn’t like themselves too much when they first met Him.
We see several instances where people came to theCrossroads in their lives…and at that point - they didn’t love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. So even though this is the FIRST and GREATEST commandment - it is certainly not the first thing that happens.
The woman at the well in Samaria, the woman taken in adultery, Zacchaeus, even some of the disciples…all of these people had issues with themselves when they first met Jesus. Why do we think that everyone has to have it all together? Most times the very thing that brings us to Jesus is the thing that is causing us to dislike ourselves the most!
We come to Jesus weary, worn, and sad…We need Jesus! What does coming to Jesus do that helps us be able to love ourselves?
When we are in the presence of God - we can see things for how they really are. It is not just our depravity, but it is our worth to Jesus, and the love He and others have for us. - Outside of the presence of God, we not only forget these things, but the devil will try to convince us that there is no way that God could truly love us, not after…
Outside of the presence of God - there is NO TRUE LOVE…because GOD IS LOVE! The world has LUST, and FEELINGS, and EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT - but LOVE IS OF GOD!
That is why there is NO HOPE outside of God and the presence of GOD, because there is no TRUE LOVE! How can I become whole, how can I move beyond the things in my past and the very low self-esteem that I have? Love is the Answer!
Once we have learned how to love ourself and forgive ourself or others for things in the past - we can then move forward. Until we deal with these things, we are just putting off an inevitable breakdown and depression.
If you find yourself in need of healing and wholeness today:
Love is the Answer!
John 15:9-10 (NIV) 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
If you are whole you will be able to love others and treat others the way you want to be treated. If you are whole, you can accept the love that God has for you and realize that He has already paid the price for everything in your past and you can move forward in His Love.
In John 15:1-11 and Matthew 22:37 we are commanded to Love God… If you are whole, and you have received God’s love - you can love Him in return, because He first loved you!
John 15:12-13 (NIV) 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
In John 15:12-13 and Matthew 22:39. We are instructed to love each other as we love ourselves and as Jesus loved us. That would simply mean unconditionally! In our humanity, we decide who is and isn’t worthy of love far too often.
So how can we take the limits off of God’s Love? By LOVING others the way Jesus loves them, and the way we love ourselves. (WHO) - Everybody, Always!
When was the last time you looked at someone you just met and thought to yourself “I Love You”, I love you because Jesus loves you…and I want to be here for you!??
In John 14 and 15 Jesus goes on and on about LOVE. He describes this LOVE as something that will define us and how other see us (as Christians and Jesus’ Followers). Here are just a few highlights of what He describes:
If we truly LOVE, we will: - BE LOVED IN RETURN (by Him) - OBEY (Jesus Instructions) - RECEIVE (the Comforter) - SERVE (others) - GIVE (of ourselves freely) - BEAR FRUIT (making disciples) Ask yourself right now…are these active in my life?
CLOSING - How can we take the limits off God’s Love?
Repentance brings us into the presence of God…He is Holy and cannot dwell in unclean vessels…we must cleanse…
Be Baptized in Jesus’ Name to wash away every sin and stain..if you have already, ask for cleansing in the Blood!
Receive God’s Spirit and His Love into your life. If you haven’t yet received the Holy Ghost…accept that it is for you and that God does LOVE YOU! If you have HG, then stir up the Gift, with an honest discussion with God about how you LOVE, and get into the presence of God daily to be able to LOVE and Take the LIMITS off of God’s Love every day!
Rev. Cooper reminds us that we can cast our cares upon the One, True, and living God who cares for us!
TAKING THE LIMITS OFF God’s Power - Week 2 Texts: John 4:20-24 KJV / Isaiah 6:1-8 (ESV)
INTRO - TAKING the LIMITS OFF Last Sunday we learned about Taking the Limits off of God’s Ability…Now that we know HE IS ABLE, let’s take the limits off of God’s Power in our lives. We can do that through Worship. How we see/view God will determine the extent of His Power in our lives. Much of what we struggle with would FADE AWAY with a fresh perspective of God and His Power in our lives! Genuine worship isn't just singing songs and getting a good feeling in your heart. Genuine worship is seeing God for who He really is—His power, His greatness, His holiness, His sovereignty, His love, and His compassion—and then giving Him what He’s worth—the best of your time, your talents, your thoughts, your words, and your deeds.
John 4:20-24 KJV 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
4 Times in the Bible indicate that God is looking for something: Genesis 3 – He is looking for a backslider hiding in the bushes In Ezekiel 22 and Jeremiah 5:1 – Looking for an intercessor. In John 4:23 – God is looking for a worshipper.
Isaiah 6:1-4 (ESV) 1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” 4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
Isaiah 6:5-7 (ESV) 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV) 8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Job was a worshipper. Not one scripture talks about Job praising God, but two talk about Job worshipping God. Job 1:20-22 and the other one we read last week, Job 42:2. (God can do everything!) Job shows us the difference between a praiser and a worshipper.The issue is not WILL you worship, it is WHO or WHAT will you worship? Job worshipped God while standing on the graves of 10 buried children and from Chapter 2 to Chapter 42 – Satan is Silent If you want to get the Devil off your back – you need to learn how to worship God in the face of every terrible situation you face
Psalm 150:2 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise Him according to His mighty acts – that is PRAISE Praise Him according to His excellent greatness – That is WORSHIP We need to get beyond Praise and go into Worship We need to focus on who He is, not just what He can do in our lives.
Missionaries Logan & Hannah Blackmon
Missionaries to Guinea
Guinea is a country in West Africa, bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, in the southeast. The reserve protects a forested mountain range rich in native plants and animals, including chimpanzees and the viviparous toad. On the coast, the capital city, Conakry, is home to the modern Grand Mosque and the National Museum, with its regional artifacts.
Capital: Conakry Vernacular languages: Fula; Mandinka; Susu Population: 12.72 million (2017) World Bank
TAKING THE LIMITS OFF God’s Ability - Week 1
Psalm 78:40-41 (KJV) 40 How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! 41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.
Job 42:2 (KJV) 2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
Psalm 78:40-41 (KJV) 40 How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! 41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.
Job 42:2 (KJV) 2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
Ephesians 3:20 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
2 Corinthians 2:14 14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
Hebrews 4:2 (KJV) 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
Matthew 16:18 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. God can do above all we think
We need someone to challenge our thinking about God.
God wants to do MARVELOUS THINGS in your life. Pastor Dummitt encourages that all is not lost, God wants to do marvelous things in us, for us and through us!
The Way in The Manger
TEXT: Luke 2:11-14 (KJV)
Luke 2:11-14 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
In our world today, we find so many people that seem to be confused about what happens after this life. Some believe that there is no after-life, some believe in many different and various versions of after-life. Then, once you categorize all those variations - you have to look at what happens in this life to get them from here to their eternity. Eternal destinations are almost always shaped by what happens in this life - in almost every variation of belief.
If you ask the average “Christian” how to get to heaven - you will get many different answers. Today I want to declare to you that there are not MANY WAYS to get to heaven, or have eternal life with God - THERE IS ONLY ONE! - THE WAY in the manger!
Emanuel God with us is now God IN us through the Holy Spirit!
John 14:6 (KJV) 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
THE WAY in the manger!
DOWN FROM HIS GLORY
TEXT: Colossians 2:6-10 (KJV)
Colossians 2:6-10 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Philippians 2:7-8 (KJV) 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
This is why Christmas is so special. It has really nothing to do with many of the trappings and traditions we celebrate it with. The real and true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of a God who came DOWN FROM HIS GLORY to have a relationship with and SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS!
The reason He “Came Down from His Glory” was to rescue us and reconcile us. This is made possible by the Holy Spirit. - Here is how it happens:
We acknowledge that we are a sinner and we have broken God’s laws - we REPENT or turn over our lives to God and turn from the life that says we know better than God what is best for our lives. That is where many people get hung up...they are not willing to trust God with their life. They are sorry because they know they have broken God’s laws, but they aren’t willing to start leaning in to God’s way of doing things! Whoever you are - it is time to REPENT - Turn To God, turn away from SIN!
Our next step after we have died out to our old life and turned from SIN is to bury our flesh in the waters of Baptism in Jesus’ Name. When we are baptized in Jesus’ Name - we are then buried with Jesus Christ and we take on his name. It is washing away our sins, and us taking on the family name of Jesus Christ! (The one who SAVES us from our sins because He came down from His Glory).
Then Jesus places His Spirit inside of us to help us be more like Him. He is reconciling us to Himself. That is why He came - to give us the opportunity to forsake sin and have eternal life.
Why not today, as we celebrate CHRISTMAS!? Let’s do it the right way and honor the ONE who came Down from His Glory!
Today we are going to talk about WHEN THE RIGHT TIME IS TO LOVE! It’s Always The Right Time to Show Love! The satisfaction of everyday life pales in comparison to the satisfaction that comes from allowing the Holy Spirit to interrupt our lives. INTERRUPTED BY LOVE - it’s always a great thing! Let’s Read together today: John 4:34-35 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. While the disciples go off for lunch, Jesus stays behind at the well where He encounters the Samaritan woman. He spends His afternoon ministering to her and when the disciples return they are so confused by how He chose to block out His day. They are so caught up with making sure Jesus had something to eat that they miss the fact He was doing something much more important. How often do we…. Like Jesus - become purposeful about showing love to and ministering to those who God is directing us to LOVE? Jesus made it His mission to meet with this woman and make a difference in her life. Even though she resisted, and even though she acted like she didn’t want to be bothered by Him. (How many people do you know that act just like this woman?) They avoid, change the subject, divert…etc. Like the Disciples - Lose sight of what is most important for the temporary things of life. It is so easy to sacrifice eternal things for temporary things that won’t really matter in a few days let alone years! LOVE is always in season! We need to be ready at any moment for the opportunity to show the love of Christ to someone. Ephesians 5:15-18 reminds us to “make the best use of the time.” 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, Why don’t we start looking for more opportunities to make the most of our time and SHARE the love of Jesus! Jesus is the perfect example that there is never a bad time to allow the Holy Spirit to use you. Even while on the cross, moments away from death, He turned to thief next to him and showed him love by giving him a way to make things right. How many times to we get consumed in our own worlds and forget about the things that those around us are going through? We need to be aware (through the power of the Holy Ghost) of the needs of those around us! It is always the right time to LOVE! HERE IS YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THIS WEEK: I want to challenge you to have a conversation with God every day this week before you start your day, and tell God that you are ready and willing to be interrupted—even when it is an inconvenience to you. God will give you interruptions like you can’t even imagine.
We live in a culture that views dependence as weakness, yet we are called to be 100% dependent on God. Being dependent on God will keep us from feeling the need to overbook ourselves.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
So how do we TRUST IN THE LORD? (1st Part of the verse)
TRUST GOD’S WORD (John 17:17)
TRUST GOD’S WAYS (Jer. 1:5)
TRUST GOD IN OTHERS
Now let’s discuss how to: LEAN NOT TO OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING!
DO NOT TRUST YOURSELF
His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9)
In ALL YOUR WAYS….ACKNOWLEDGE HIM..
Acknowledge JESUS in every step you take.
The third command of these verses is really about applying the first two to every step we take along the journey we call life.
This attitude is explained in James 4: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. (James 4:13-15)
HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATH
As Joseph said to his brothers at the end of his life about their decision to sell him as a slave to Egypt: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:20)
Similarly, as another famous Bible verse puts like this: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)
God will re-straighten (direct) your path. You can get back into the center of God’s will. And amazingly when you do so, God can even apply the mistakes and sins of your past… to be part of His purpose for you and the world around you that He wants to influence through you.
Powerful Message and Testimony from Missionary Bobby Lewis (Germany) about the fact that God can do Everything - Text: Job 42:2. You will be inspired and uplifted by this message! We are anticipating greater things than we have ever seen - because God can do everything!
Sis. Lewis (Missionary to Germany) testifies and sings about their burden to reach the people of Germany with the Name of Jesus. She sings "What A Beautiful Name It Is" by Hillsong. We do not own the rights to this song...but it is covered by our CCLI to sing in services and archive recordings. She also sings it in German.
Pastor Dummitt preaches about our Priorities and how GREED tries to pervert our thinking. Don’t sacrifice your walk with God for money or material possessions. - IT’S JUST NOT WORTH IT!
1 Timothy 6:6-10 / 17-19 (NASB) 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all [a]sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. / 17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good [a]works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
In the book of Genesis Chapter 13 we read about the decision that LOT made to move closer to Sodom…because it looked like he could prosper more there…even though it was an evil place and dangerous for his family’s spiritual well-being. We see Lot’s Family learning the hard way - IT’S JUST NOT WORTH IT!...
Rev. Josh Cooper preaches about "Who Is My Neighbor"
Text: Luke 10:25-37
Our flesh can lead us to pick and choose who we consider our neighbor even though God has clearly called us to everyone, without exception.
Releasing Worry is a major need in our society today. The key is not to be naive and think that you will never have things that cause you to worry…
It’s what you do with worry that will make the difference in your life!
Don’t let the worries of life get your mind off of God. Instead, look to your heavenly father for provision, striving first to please him before anything else.
Text: Matthew 6:25-34 (NASB)
The problem of life is to change worry into thinking and anxiety into creative action." Harold B. Walker, from Think or Worry?
If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry: Worry never fixes anything." Ernest Hemingway
- Worrying won’t fix Anything.
Matthew 6:27-29 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. (NLT)
- Worrying is bad for your health!
Proverbs 12:25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (NLT)
- Worrying is the Opposite of Trusting God.
Matthew 6:30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? (NLT)
Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
- Worrying Puts Your Focus in the Wrong Direction.
Matthew 6:25 That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? (NLT)
Matthew 6:31-33 So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)
Text: Psalm 90 In comparison to God, our lives are nothing. Yet, we often live like we’re God, cramming our schedules as if everything depends on us. Trust God enough to take a break.
Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (NASB)
Discover how having an authentic love for people is the foundation for all actions in the Christian life.
STEPPING UP into our Defining Moment because of the times in which we live.
Text: Esther 4:11-16 (KJV)
It's Not Just a Coincidence
There is a Cause
The Time is Now
We need to look at what it will take for us to STEP FORWARD into the Defining Moments God has for us which will land us directly in the middle of His Purpose for us!
LISTEN TO GOD MAKE THINGS RIGHT DISCOVER Passions and Gifts and Strengths, and…
BE ACCOUNTABLE (to wise counsel)
And JUST DO IT!
Each one of us was designed for a purpose. On a foundational level that purpose is to know God and make Him known. But there is another purpose which is unique to you.
Jesus must be the foundation of all we do and the purpose behind what we do. If we ever get away from making Christ known and glorifying Him, then every program, no matter how moral it is, will naturally collapse because it is not established on a firm foundation and purpose. In order for God’s Perfect Plan to be REVEALED in your life, you must first get a revelation of the FOUNDATION NEEDED!
Jesus is Greater...than everything. We need to worship the Creator, not just creation. Lift Jesus Up! Put Him in the proper place in your life! Message Series from Colossians.
When Jonah disobeyed God in not going to Nineveh (Jonah 2), God had already prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. Inside the great fish, Jonah acknowledges his disobedience and vows to turn around and do what God had asked him to do. When we SIN, we shouldn't just say we made a mistake. That would make us a MISTAKER, not a SINNER. When we sin, the only way to be free from the guilt we feel is to REPENT and TURN AROUND - to quit sinning with the help of God. If you are a mistaker, you will keep trying to get better. If you are a sinner, then you need a Savior.
Spiritual Growth is all about becoming more like Jesus every day, week, month and year. There is a very clear process in scripture. Make sure you follow it, and you will easily grow and advance in you spiritual journey.
Jonah teaches us some very important lessons about how God feels about the Lost. Those who don't know any better and continue to live in violence and misery. God loves them so much that He will send people to warn them. That is where we come in.
Ministry in Training - Lisa Anderson speaks to the church about Learning from Mistakes and Growing Spiritually. It is important not to keep making the same mistakes, but we need to apply ourselves to learn and grow.
Pastor Dummitt speaks about the Holy Ghost and how it impacts our brain. We don't check our brains at the door when it comes to the Bible, Jesus, and spirituality. When our brain is surrendered to the Holy Ghost - anything is possible!
Guest Speaker - Mukwanago, Wisconsin Pastor Rob Jadrnicek encourages us in how to be Good Neighbors. Being a good neighbor will have an impact on those around us.
Guest Speaker: Mukwanago Wisconsin Pastor Rob Jadrnicek encourages us not to miss what is really important. Don't trade the stalling for the calling!
This message starts tracking the beginning of the Christian movement in the Book of Acts. We will look at what it means to be the FIRST CHURCH that Jesus Christ established. BE BOLD, put yourself in a place to be empowered to boldly speak the truth about Jesus.
In the second week of our Gravity Message series pastor A.J. Dummitt preaches about how the Love of Jesus is the gravity that holds everything in place and gives us hope for our future. Everyone feels the gravitational pull of the love of Jesus, but not everyone responds. What will you do when you feel the tug?
We are supposed to shine with Jesus' light in a dark world. Hear how we can make this happen, and some tips on shining brighter without being annoying.
LOVE IS THE ANSWER! When you learn to love and value yourself the way that God does, then you can accept and return His love, and you can love others and have great relationships with them.
In the Book of Acts, we see that the Gospel spread rapidly across the Roman Empire because of the love the early Christians showed to outsiders.
The Light of the World, GOD is Love…so it makes perfect sense that the LOVE OF GOD has the power to lighten a DARK world! 1 John 4:16-21 - With the Holy Spirit inside of you - you are LIT by LOVE!
Chaos exists in our world because things are out of balance. Only by the gravity found in Jesus Christ and His Gospel can things be held together - Col. 1:17. Pastor Dummitt preaches about the Gravity of Jesus Christ, and salvation available to all.
On Mother's Day 2018 - Pastor and His mother - Talk about leaving a legacy of truth and righteousness.
First Lady - Cathy Dummitt and Pastor A.J. Dummitt preach on having a home where love is the answer! Samson's mother loved him enough to raise him right, and loved him in spite of his mistakes. In the end he honors God again by his sacrifice. (Audio Quality is poor)
Evangelist Lavon Hodges preaches on what spirit the prodigal (or backslider) should find when they return home. Either they will find the spirit of the Father or the spirit of the Elder brother.
Pastor A.J. Dummitt - If we truly understand/know how to praise God, there is NO problem or cirucmstance that can defeat us or keep us down!
Many People deal with physical PTSD, but just as many or more are suffering from Spiritual PTSD. Preaching that encourages us to praise through Satan's Door, and not let the strongholds he wants to place in our minds remain. - Pastor A.J. Dummitt
In this special missions service for receiving Faith Promise, Rev. Brian Abernathy preaches about why "In the Kingdom of God, the Rules Do Not Apply!" Your faith will be increased through this message about how awesome our God is.
Rev. Brian Abernathy (UPCI Global Missions Promotional Director) gives Biblical and personal reasons that we spread the Gospel around the world! Sunday - April 15, 2018
Pastor A.J. Dummitt talks about the evidence that proves that Jesus is Alive. Then invites everyone to experience the proof for themselves, because Jesus truly is ALIVE, and that changes everything!
At our Louisville Campus, Pastor A.J. Dummitt explains how that because Jesus is Alive, we have HOPE! Experience it for yourself, you don't have to just take someone's word for it!
Communion is a special observance for Christians, but where did it come from? Pastor A.J. Dummitt explains it simply and briefly in this short message.
Chasing after money, power and fame can cause you to miss your true purpose in the Kingdom of God. Matthew 6:25-33 (NASB) Seeking the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness FIRST in our lives will be the difference between success and failure in our lives.
Pastor A.J. Dummitt talks about staying connected to the Power Source (Jesus), and if so...you get double for your trouble. God is doing incredible things. Texts: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 / Romans 10:17
Missionary John Hemus shares his personal testimony. Describing how our incredible God can make incredible things out of seemingly nothing. Forgiveness is the major theme of this message, and how it unlocks the possibilities that God has planned for our lives!
Missionary John Hemus speaks about how awesome the Life of Peter and his time with Jesus was preparing him for preaching the gospel message on the day of Pentecost!
Terry Shock speaks to Because of the Times in 2013 on the 11th Hour Church. Great message about how God wants to do a powerful work TODAY! (This is a guest speaker message on our podcast.) If you would like to schedule Rev. or Mrs. Shock please go to their website: http://kqministries.net
The challenge by Pastor A.J. Dummitt that we be DOERS of the Word of God, and not just HEARERS.
Text: James 1:21-25 (1 John 2:17 / Psalm 1)
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Jesus Gravity - Pastor A.J. Dummitt talks about how we must LIFT JESUS UP for His magnetism to truly affect those around us. (Jesus draws people to Himself).
Text: John 3:13-15 / Numbers 21:5-9 / John 12:32-36