A.J. Dummitt

JESUS IS ENOUGH - Jesus Series - June 14, 2020 (Rev. Nate Grace)

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

1. Matt 17:3-Mosses and Elijah were there- Both had mountain top experiences
   1. Moses received ten commandments up on Mount Sinai in Ex 19
   2. 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
• 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.

2. 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:

1. The Exodus from Egypt- cloud by day, fire by night
2. The inauguration of the tabernacle- Shekinah glory of God
3. The inauguration of the temple
4. Ezekiel’s vision 1:5
5. John’s vision in Revelation chapter
6. 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:

1. 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
2. Directed authority to Jesus- Hear Ye Him! Not Moses, Not Elijah, but listen to Jesus alone
3. 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!

A Certain WORD in an Uncertain WORLD - Saturday Live

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!

“The World” - ENEMIES (The Fight of Your Life)

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).

Love is Why - We Go, Give, Serve and Stay - April 26, 2020

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!

Saturday After Easter Revival - Pastor Paul Pamer - April 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 After Easter Revival - Missionaries Luke & Samantha Campbell - April 17, 2020

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!

Wednesday After Easter Revival - Evangelist Mark Winters - April 15, 2020

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.

Tuesday After Easter Revival - Evangelist Tim Greene - April 14, 2020

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

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 - April 12, 2020

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.

Love Is Why - April 5, 2020

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.

For The Glory of God - Rev. Jerry Jones

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!

I'm Coming Out with My Hands Up

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!

God's Timing Is Always Right

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.

Taking the Limits off of God's Power

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.