A.J. Dummitt

Sacred Selfie

1 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)

17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.



Ephesians 1:1-14 (KJV)

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

The Way: The Holy Ghost

Listen in as Pastor AJ Dummitt stresses the importance of having the Holy Ghost in our lives.

Washed: Daily

Ephesians 5:25-27 (KJV)
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.


John 15:1-5 (KJV)
15 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

7 Churches of Revelation-Thyatira

THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION
THYATIRA—THE CHURCH OF TOLERATION AND COMPROMISE
TEXT: Revelation 2:18-29
Revelation 2:18-29 KJV And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These
things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are
like fine brass; [19] I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy
patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. [20] Notwithstanding I
have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth
herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to
eat things sacrificed unto idols. [21] And I gave her space to repent of her fornication;
and she repented not. [22] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit
adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. [23] And I
will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which
searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your
works. [24] But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this
doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon
you none other burden. [25] But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. [26]
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power
over the nations: [27] And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a
potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. [28] And I will
give him the morning star. [29] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith
unto the churches.

The Possibilities beyond Visible Reality

Exodus 14:15 (KJV)

And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

 

Exodus 14:16 (KJV)

But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

2 Kings 3:9 (KJV)

So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days’ journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.

 

2 Kings 3:15 (KJV)

But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.

2 Kings 3:16 (KJV)

And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.

2 Kings 3:17 (KJV)

For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.

2 Kings 3:18 (KJV)

And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.

2 Kings 3:19 (KJV)

And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.

2 Kings 3:20 (KJV)

And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.

Matthew 9:20 (KJV)

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

Matthew 9:21 (KJV)

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

Matthew 14:34 (KJV)

And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

 

Matthew 14:35 (KJV)

And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;

Matthew 14:36 (KJV)

And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

7 Churches of Revelation-Pergamos

THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION
PERGAMOS—THE WORLDLY, CORRUPTED CHURCH
TEXT: Revelation 2:12-17
Revelation 2:12-17 KJV And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These
things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; [13] I know thy works, and
where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and
hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr,
who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. [14] But I have a few things against
thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac
to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols,
and to commit fornication. [15] So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the
Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. [16] Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and
will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. [17] He that hath an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of
the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written,
which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

The Power of Positivity.

Pastor AJ Dummitt preaches a sermon on the necessity of being positive in all things.

7 Churches of Revelation: Smyrna

THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION
SMYRNA—THE CHURCH UNDER GREAT PRESSURE
TEXT: Revelation 2:8-11
Revelation 2:8-11 (KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These
things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; [9] I know thy works,
and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them
which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. [10] Fear none
of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into
prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life. [11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second
death.

The Way: Water Baptism

Isaiah 35:8 
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 


John 14:6 
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 


Acts 24:14 
But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 


1 John 5:7-8 
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 


1 Corinthians 15:1-4 
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 


Acts 2:38 
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.


Romans 6:6-7 
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. 


Matthew 28:19 
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 


Mark 16:15-16 
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 


Luke 24:47-49 
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 


John 20:23 
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 

​
Acts 2:38 
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

IMMERSION (Greek “baptizo”) vs. SPRINKLING (Greek “rantizo”) 
MUCH WATER - John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. 
INTO THE WATER - Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 
OUT OF THE WATER - Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 
BURIED IN WATER - Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 
PLANTED IN WATER - Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 


“Name of Jesus Christ” vs. “Name of the Father, Son & Holy Ghost” 
JEWS - Acts 2:38 ... be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins 
SAMARITANS - Acts 8:16 ... they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus 

GENTILES - Acts 10:48 ... he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord 
REBAPTISM OF EPHESIANS - Acts 19:5 ... they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus 
PETER TAUGHT - Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 
PAUL TAUGHT - Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 

What about Matthew 28:19? 
1. NO ONE is being baptized in this verse. 
2. NAME is singular. These three titles don’t have any authority; 
they just describe the one name. 
3. Matthew didn’t write this until AD 62. EVERY baptism for 30 
years had been in Jesus’ name. 
4. The Apostles didn’t just REPEAT Jesus’ command; they 
OBEYED Jesus’ command. 
There are no delayed baptisms in the New Testament. 
Acts 2:41 - “the same day” 
Acts 16:33 - “the same hour” 

Acts 9:18 - “immediately” 
Acts 10:48 - “he commanded them to be baptized” 
Acts 22:16 - “why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” 

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I AM BAPTIZED? 
My sins are washed away or “remitted” 
Acts 22:16 
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. 
My conscience is cleansed from past guilt 
1 Peter 3:21 
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 
I put on the only saving name, Jesus Christ 
Galatians 3:27 
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 
I apply the burial of Christ to my life 
Romans 6:3-4


Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 
I am legally brought into God’s covenant 
Colossians 2:11-12 
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 
I am “born of the water” to portray my new life 
John 3:5 
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 
BLOOD, WATER, SPIRIT ... THERE IS JUST ONE WAY! 
Remember how REPENTANCE means “destroy the house”? Well, you could say that BAPTISM means “drown the army”! Paul compares our baptism to Israel crossing the Red Sea, while Pharaoh’s army drowned. 
1 Corinthians 10:1-2
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; ​

Washed: Washed by Obedience

2 Kings 5:1 ESV
“Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.”


​Galatians 6:2-3 ESV
“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

2 Kings 5:5 ESV

“And the king of Syria said, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel." So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing.”

Romans 4:4-8 ESV

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."

James 4:6-8 ESV

6 “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

1 Peter 5:5-7 ESV

“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV

“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

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Galatians 6:2-3 ESV
“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
Galatians 6:2-3 ESV
“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

 

Washed Series

Enjoy the first message in the Washed Series.

Resurrection Sunday

Listen in to our Resurrection Sunday during our EggCellent Weekend.

Give them to Jesus

GIVE THEM TO JESUS

Today we are celebrating Mother’s Day and dedicating children to God.

Mark 10:13-16 (KJV)
13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

HOW DO YOU GIVE YOUR CHILDREN TO JESUS?
Here are some things we can do to GIVE THEM TO JESUS.

1. START ON YOUR KNEES.
Pray diligently for your children for the next 30 days. Most people already pray for their children. If you are praying two minutes a day, may I suggest you pray five minutes? If you pray ten minutes, may I suggest 20? I want to you double the amount of time you are presently praying for your children. Don’t just ask God to "bless our children," but pray specifically for them. Ask God to encourage them to be spiritually strong and morally pure, and to surround them with godly friends and to help them make godly choices. Pray that their choices would encourage spiritual growth. Remember that nothing of eternal value is ever accomplished without prayer.

POWER OF A PRAYING MOTHER

The year was 1820 and Peter Richley was a grateful man. He had survived one of the strangest and most harrowing events known to mankind. The ship which he had been traveling on sank. He was rescued. By some strange twist of circumstance, however, this ship sank. He was rescued again. But, this third ship sank likewise. He was rescued for a third time. Yet, his fourth ship of passage soon sank. And unbelievably, he was rescued for a fourth time, but this fifth ship sank as well.

It would have been laughable had it not been so serious. On the high seas, however, he floated with the serene confidence that somehow God did not want him to die. And sure enough, as if on cue, another ship came by and answered his call for help.
This ocean liner, The City of Leeds, was named after it’s British city of origin. It was bound from England to Australia and traveled the same sea lane as Peter Richley’s downed ships. The crew of The City of Leeds hoisted Peter aboard. Dry clothing was provided to Peter. The ship’s doctor gave him a cursory exam, pronounced him fit, and then asked an unusual favor.

“There’s a lady on board who booked passage to Australia,” the doctor explained. “She’s
looking for her son who disappeared years ago. She’s dying and she’s asking to see her son. She knows everybody on board and since you’re the only newcomer, would you pretend to be her son?”

Peter agreed. After all, his life had now been saved for the fifth time. He followed the doctor below deck and entered into a cabin. There on a small bed lay a frail woman with silvered-hair. She was obviously suffering from a very high fever. Deliriously, she was crying out. “Please God. Let me see my son before I die. I must see my son!”

The ship’s doctor gently pushed the young man toward the bed. Soon, however, Peter Richley began sobbing. For lying there on that bed was the reason that he couldn’t seem to die. Here was the lifeline that had kept him from drowning five times. For lying on that bed was none other than Sarah Richley—who had prayed for ten years to reconciled to her son, Peter.

The ship’s doctor stood in amazement as the young man fell down by the bed and embraced the sick woman. “I’m here mom! I’m here. It’s me!” Within days the fever had subsided and his mother awakened to find an answered prayer seated on the edge of her bed.

(This story was told by western writer Louis L’Amour in an interview he gave. This story bears out the saying, “truth is stranger than fiction.” In researching the Louis L’Amour website there were additional references that bear out this story to be a true story.)

Never, Never, Never, Never underestimate the power of a praying mother.

2. ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES.
Your goal in establishing boundaries is to give your child a sense of security through a consistent understanding of what is acceptable in your home. You can’t assume that a child "should know better." This ought to be for what they are listening to, looking at, and hanging out with. Keep your children SAFE from the JUNK this world is offering them! I have had people tell me that they want their children to be “STREET-SMART” - Can I just tell you that I want my children to be Godly-WISE, not worldly wise..
Explain the BOUNDARIES to your kids:
At the end of the 30 days of prayer and discussing guidelines with your spouse, have a meeting to explain what you have decided. This process has taken place so that you will be able to redevelop your relationship with your children. They have been watching you pray for wisdom while discussing guidelines.

I read something the other day that I thought was appropriate here:

The Meanest Mother
We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from other kids had, too. Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You’d think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.

We are kind of ashamed to admit it, but mother had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and all sorts of other cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do. She always insisted on us telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds. Then, life was really tough! Mother wouldn’t let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were at least 16.

Because of our mother, we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other’s property, or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. We never got drunk, took up smoking, stayed out all night, or a million other things, other kids did. Sundays were reserved for church, and we never missed once. We knew better than to ask to spend the night with a friend on Saturdays.

Now that we have left home, we are all God-fearing, educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that’s what is wrong with the world today. It just doesn’t have enough mean moms anymore!

3. EVALUATE YOUR OWN LIFE.

What are they seeing in you? What kind of example are you setting for them?
It is not helpful to keep your child from listening to the empty philosophies of most secular music and media programing, if you’re going to entertain yourself with the ungodly and unBiblical philosophies of R-rated media. You may not listen to lyrically explicit music, but what kind of music are you listening to? Usually, parents justify their listening because it is more “mellow” than what their children are listening to. It may be mellow, but is it moral?

Do yourself a favor, learn & explain the value of Christian music.
It is impossible to properly explain the value of Christian music if you aren’t setting the example by your own listening habits. How can you tell your children they should be listening to godly music, if you don’t listen to godly music?

While we are on this, TAKE THEM TO CHURCH EVERY WEEK:
It doesn’t take long in a vibrant church, full of faithful believers, for our children to recognize how different they are to the unsaved community around them. That helps them grow in their desire for Jesus and become a part of the body of Christ.

Did you ever notice how often our children listen to strangers better than they listen to us? The impact other believers can have on your children to introduce them to Jesus should not be underestimated. When the church reinforces what you’ve been teaching at home, it validates the discipleship of your children and helps protect them from the lies of the world. So don’t just attend the Sunday service, throw yourself and your family into the life of the church.
And Lastly…

4. CHALLENGE THEM TO THINK BIBLICALLY.
How do you challenge someone to think? Ask questions without giving the answer immediately. To get someone to think Biblically, ask him a question based on Scripture or a scriptural principle. To get someone to think biblically about entertainment, the following Scripture has proved to be very effective.
Colossians 2:8 in the Living Bible, "Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men’s thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said." This verse best describes today’s entertainment industry. Think about it. Isn’t today’s music some man or woman’s thoughts and ideas recorded digitally? Aren’t media programs on youtube, netflix, and redbox, just someone’s thoughts and ideas about life, love, violence, rebellion, sex, and drugs recorded digitally and fed to us as entertainment?

With that understanding, what are some good questions to ask your children and yourself?

• How’s your faith in Jesus?
• Is there a heaven?
• Is the Bible true?
• You say that your faith is strong? Good! How is your joy?
• Do you have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control?
• You remember the "Fruit of the Spirit" described in Galatians 5:22-23? Why doesn’t it radiate in your life?
• Tell me your favorite Bible Story and act like I’ve never heard it before.
• Quote for me the last Bible Verse you learned.

If you have been letting the world undermine your Christian walk (faith and joy) with their empty philosophies, it’s time for a change.

DEDICATION:
This act of dedication tells the Lord several things that you as parents believe:
    1.    Your child belongs to God. You are the custodians for their care and nurturing, but they belong to God. Take good care of God’s property. Build and prepare them for the future.
    2.    God’s will, not your will, is best for your child’s life. If you are dedicating your child to God, let God choose their life.
    3.    You will do your best to teach and tell your child the ways of the Lord. The world is ready to fill this child’s mind, but you will instead fill their mind with God’s Word.

PARENTAL VOWS...

Charge to Church Family:
Will you please stand to receive your charge? Will you do all that you can to provide and support a place of instruction where these children may hear the whole counsel of God? Will you covenant together as a family to set an example by your lives and to maintain an atmosphere which will inspire them to desire to live for God?
So that these children may walk in the abundant life that Jesus offers, do you vow by God’s help, to be faithful in your calling as members of the body of Christ, to help THESE PARENTS to be faithful to God, and to help teach and train THESE CHILDREN in the ways of the Lord. Will you do as God leads you and pray for their salvation?

Those of you willing to accept this charge, please answer: “With God‟s help, we will.”

This is our prayer that Callen Jace and Kendall Lynn will one day be able to say:
Psalm 71
1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
    turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
    to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
    from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
    my confidence since my youth.
6 From birth I have relied on you;
    you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
    I will ever praise you.

 

The Ideal Woman 5/12/19

"THE IDEAL WOMAN" - by Pastor A.J. Dummitt 

I heard one guy say…
What if GOD IS a woman? Not only am I going to HELL, I'll never know why!

ALL MOMS KNOW THIS STUFF 
One mom was out walking with her 4-year-old daughter when her girl picked up something from the ground and started to put it in her mouth. The mother tells what happens in her own words: "I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that." My daughter quickly asked, "Why?" "Because it's been lying outside, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs," I replied. At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Wow! How do you know all this stuff?" I thought quickly and said, "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mommy." We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, as she pondered this new information. "Oh...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the daddy?" I smiled and replied, "Exactly." (From a sermon by Mark Opperman, Mothers: Guardians of the Heart, 6/19/2012)

This is Mother’s Day and I’d like to take a few moments and talk about the Ideal Woman.

What is the Ideal Woman like? You’ll get a variety of answers to that question! Some say the ideal woman is a woman who will obey your every whim, wait on you hand and foot, and literally worship the ground you walk on (I think the word for this is Male Chauvinism). Others say the ideal woman can do the work of two men, and if women were prime ministers and presidents, wars would end, unemployment would be eliminated, and world hunger would be a thing of the past (I think the word for this is Neo Feminism). The truth lies somewhere between these two extremes.

You don’t have to look very far to find a description of the Ideal Woman - if you have a Bible. Her description is found in Proverbs 31:10-31. Let’s read it together today…

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NASB)
Description of a Worthy Woman
10 An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She looks for wool and flax
And works with her [h]hands [i]in delight.
14 She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15 She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And [j]portions to her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From [k]her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds [l]herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18 She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her [m]hands grasp the spindle.
20 She [n]extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And [o]supplies belts to the [p]tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the [q]future.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the [r]teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29 “Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who [s]fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the [t]product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.

This Proverb is God’s description of the Ideal Woman - and God isn’t a chauvinist, He is our Creator. Ladies, He designed and created you, and He knows what will satisfy you and bring fulfillment to your life. You would be wise, if you acquaint yourself with this lady and make her your role model. And keep in mind - this proverb wasn’t written to make you feel guilty or place unrealistic expectations on your life. It was written to build you up and show you your God-given potential. Let’s notice 2 items about the Ideal Woman. The person she is and the praise she deserves!

I. The Person She Is.

A. She is a Valuable WIFE.
B. She is a Vigorous WORKER.

(1) She works hard at HOME (read vs 15 & 27). 
(2) She works hard at the JOB (read vs. 18, 24).
(3) She even works hard when she SHOPS (read vs. 13-16) 
The ideal woman is a valuable wife, a vigorous worker, and . . .

C. She is a Virtuous WOMAN.

(1) Verse 20 describes the compassion she shows.
(2) Verse 25 describes the character she has.
(3) Verse 26 describes the counsel she gives.

To sum it all up, the Ideal Woman is Christlike! 

II. The Praise She Deserves.

(Read vs. 28-31). For the most part, I’ve preached to the ladies - and I don’t want the rest of you to feel left out, so let me preach to you for a few minutes. Do you know why we ought to praise the godly women in our lives?

A. Because it feels GOOD.
B. Because it honors GOD.
C. Because it strengthens GODLY WOMEN.

Conclusion:

Husbands, teenagers, and children, praise her while you have her. And you will strengthen her, honor God, and add great joy to your own life (v. 28, her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her).

Masterpiece in Progress 4/14/19

Please enjoy the last message in the Masterpiece Series.