Episodes
Sunday Jun 21, 2020
Show Us The Father - Sunday June 21, 2020
Sunday Jun 21, 2020
Sunday Jun 21, 2020
“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!
Tuesday Jun 16, 2020
Peace of Mind - MIND SET Series Pt 3
Tuesday Jun 16, 2020
Tuesday Jun 16, 2020
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…)
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
SET YOUR MIND - Mind Set Series Pt 2
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
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?
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
STRONGHOLDS - Mind Set Series pt1
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
“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).
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.
1. 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.
2. 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!”
3. 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!
4. 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?
Sunday May 31, 2020
Passion then Pentecost - Shift Series
Sunday May 31, 2020
Sunday May 31, 2020
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.
Wednesday May 20, 2020
The Devil - Enemies Series - May 20, 2020
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Wednesday May 20, 2020
ENEMIES of the Soul
“Enemies” – Part 3 (The Devil)
Text: JAMES 4:7-10 / 1 PETER 5:8-9
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.
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.
Sunday May 17, 2020
A Certain WORD in an Uncertain WORLD - Sunday Worship
Sunday May 17, 2020
Sunday May 17, 2020
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!
Sunday May 10, 2020
You are Worth It - Mother's Day - May 10, 2020
Sunday May 10, 2020
Sunday May 10, 2020
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!
Sunday May 03, 2020
If the Oil is Low, You Don't Go (SHIFT) - May 3, 2020
Sunday May 03, 2020
Sunday May 03, 2020
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
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.
Saturday Apr 18, 2020
Saturday After Easter Revival - Pastor Paul Pamer - April 18, 2020
Saturday Apr 18, 2020
Saturday Apr 18, 2020
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 Apr 17, 2020
Friday After Easter Revival - Pastor Raymond Woodward - April 17, 2020
Friday Apr 17, 2020
Friday Apr 17, 2020
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.
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
Thursday After Easter Revival - Evangelist Mike Easter - April 16, 2020
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
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 Apr 01, 2020
Grace & Truth - Stand Firm, Love Well Series - April 1, 2020
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
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.
Saturday Jul 06, 2019
For The Glory of God - Rev. Jerry Jones
Saturday Jul 06, 2019
Saturday Jul 06, 2019
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!
Thursday Apr 11, 2019
I'm Coming Out with My Hands Up
Thursday Apr 11, 2019
Thursday Apr 11, 2019
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!