2 Kings 21:2

"He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites."
GOD HAS CALLED US TO BE DIFFERENT!
HE HAS ALSO CALLED US TO BE PURE!
Therefore, stop trying to be like this world!
Because this world is headed for destruction!
GOD CLEANSED US TO SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST!
NOT TO BE CONTAMINATED BY THE DISEASE OF SIN ALL OVER AGAIN!
Be on your guard!
The enemy is cunning!
He knows how to entice you!
BUT THROUGH CHRIST, YOU HAVE THE POWER TO OVERCOME!
"Don't follow the practices of the nations!"
"Instead, teach the nations to follow Jesus!"
"WATCH & PRAY!"
"LEST YOU FALL INTO TEMPTATION!"
"THE SPIRIT INDEED IS WILLING, BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK!"

Psalm 24:1-10

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
The world, and all who live in it;
For he founded it on the seas
And established it on the waters.
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who does not trust in an idol
Or swear by a false god.
They will receive blessing from the Lord
And vindication from God their Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
Who seek your face, God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
Be lifted up, you ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
Lift them up, you ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
He is the King of glory."
"JESUS IS THE KING OF GLORY!"

Something More...A Song of Hope!

If you don't get a miracle...Become a Miracle. God has a plan and a purpose for your life.

Psalm 46:1-11

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
"AN EVER-PRESENT HELP!"
"THEREFORE CALL UPON HIM!"
"PRAY! PRAY! PRAY

James 3:1

"My brothers, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."
TO ALL DESIRING THE POSITION OF LEADERSHIP!
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS!
A Leader must be willing to encounter the following:
1- LONELINESS
In order to be a leader, you must go where others have never gone before with the understanding that no one will be holding your hand! (Except Jesus!)
2- SCARY
In order to be a leader, you must overcome your individual fears of failure! Fear can be the greatest factor for giving up! As a leader, you will encounter many obstacles, but don't be afraid because those obstacles are meant to teach you lessons that will later be taught to your followers! (No matter how irrelevant they may seem at the moment!)
3- PRESSURE
In order to be a leader, you must learn to deal with pressure! At one point or another your position will be tested by your followers, by your counters parts, even by family members! The fact is that you must learn to always remain focused on your purpose or you will eventually stray!
NOTICE:
These have all been tough areas that we have dealt with concerning Leadership!
Therefore, when you start fantasizing about being a Leader;
The Honor, Power, Recognition & even the Position Itself;
"RECOGNIZE THAT LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT OTHERS NOT SELF!"
"The fact is that you must learn to always remain focused on your purpose or you will eventually stray & those behind you will follow!"
"LET JESUS BE YOUR FOCUS!!!"

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

"And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."

Psalm 121:1-8

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel. Will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in. From this time forth and forever."
TO THE ONE ABOUT TO GIVE UP!
GOD LOVES YOU SOOOO MUCH!
THAT IN THE MIDST OF MY PRIVATE TIME WITH HIM THIS MORNING,
HE INTERUPTED THE WORSHIP I WAS OFFERING HIM & TOLD ME TO BEGIN TO PRAY FOR YOU!
SO I BEGAN TO PRAY FOR YOUR STRENGTH & YOUR FAITH!
THAT THEY WOULD NOT FAIL YOU!
EVEN THOUGH, TIMES MAY BE TOUGH,
JESUS IS LORD OF YOUR SITUATION!
TO THE ONE ABOUT TO GIVE UP!
GOD LOVES YOU SOOOO MUCH!
THAT HE WOULD STOP THE WORSHIP OF HIS SAINTS FOR THE SAKE OF REACHING YOU IN YOUR TIME OF DESPERATION!
THEREFORE, DON'T GIVE UP!
HELP IS ON IT'S WAY!
YOU ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT & HIS JEALOUSY BURNS FOR YOU!

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
GOSPEL SHARING REMOVES BARRIERS!
GOSPEL SHARING DESTROYS PRIDE!
GOSPEL SHARING RESTORES LIFE!
EVANGELISM MUST BECOME THE BELIEVER'S MAIN OBJECTIVE!
"TELL THE WORLD ABOUT JESUS!!!"
"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible."

Things not going well? Be of Great Joy!

 

Though the fig tree does not bud

and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to tread on the heights

~ Habakkuk 3:17-19 ~

 

Things were not going well...there was no food and no supplies...but he rejoiced in the Lord.

 

Why?

 

Some men brought to Jesus a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."

~ Matthew 9:2 ~

 

The Lord has taken away your punishment,

he has turned back your enemy.

The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;

never again will you fear any harm.

On that day

they will say to Jerusalem,

“Do not fear, Zion;

do not let your hands hang limp.(rejoice)

The Lord your God is with you,

the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

in his love he will no longer rebuke you,

but will rejoice over you with singing.”

~ Zephaniah 3:15-17 ~

 

As a Christ follower...no matter your earthly circumstance...Be of great Joy...your sins are forgiven! 

Matthew 6:5-13

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:
"Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
DO YOU WANT YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD IN HEAVEN?
THEN HERE IS YOUR CHANCE!
JESUS LEFT US INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO ACCOMPLISH THIS VERY THING!
If you are having trouble with prayer,
Or if you simply want to draw closer to God!
We at Evangel, will be starting a class Sunday mornings specifically focusing on PRAYER!
(It will be a 6-8 week course.)
YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US!

John 4:34

"My food," said Jesus, is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.
"MY FOOD"
Meaning "MY SATISFACTION" is to "DO" & "FINISH" the mission God has bestowed upon me!
"IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO BEGIN!"
Though we may be commended for our intentions!
"THE TRUE REWARD ONLY COMES THROUGH COMPLETION!"
Accomplishing God's Purpose brings about a Satisfaction that does not require any commendation from others!
"FINISH THE WORK GOD HAS PERSONALLY GIVEN YOU!"

Matthew 26:41

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
On Christmas,
We say Jesus is the Reason!
On Easter,
We say Jesus is the Reason!
But if I'm not mistaken,
There are still 360+ Days left in the year!
All this to say;
"IN ORDER FOR JESUS TO BE THE REASON WE MUST KEEP OUR FOCUS ON HIM!"
Will you join the Body Christ in Worship today?
I'm pretty sure that Jesus would enjoy feeling appreciated more than just 2 days a year!

Mark 13:13

"Everyone will hate you because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."
IN LIFE,
TRIALS WILL CERTAINLY COME OUR WAY!
STRUGGLES WON'T BE TOO FAR BEHIND!
SADDNESS WILL GRAB A HOLD OF US!
FRUSTRATION WILL CONSUME THE BEST OF US!
LONELINESS MAY NEVER SEEM TO LEAVE OUR SIDE!
But in this verse, Jesus is warning His Disciples that:
"ENDURANCE IS THE KEY!"
"The Finish Line only benefits those who Reach it!"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are you experiencing a tough time in your life?
"ENDURE!!!"
Although you may not see the end result at this moment,
Be assured that God has your well-being in mind!
"IT IS ONLY WHEN WE STAND UP AGAINST OPPOSITION THAT WE WILL RISE ABOVE IT!"
Remember;
"The goal of a race is to Finish, no matter how many obstacles the racer may encounter!"
"FINISH YOUR RACE!!!"
"JESUS IS WAITING FOR YOU AT THE FINISHLINE!"

Mark 12:24

Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?"
IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE!
IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO RECITE VERSES!
IT IS EVEN WORSE TO TEACH OTHERS TO DO SO WHEN THERE IS NO POWER BEHIND IT!
"Discipleship is about teaching others how to live according to God's Power!"
But you must First be Connected to the Power Source!
In this verse, Jesus was directing this comment to a group of Sadducees.
This certain religious group was well known for their "Knowledge of Scriptures", but all this knowledge lacked Power because they never truly understood what the scriptures meant!
WHY?
BECAUSE THEIR TEACHERS DISCIPLED THEM IN ERROR!
ERROR LACKS POWER, BECAUSE POWER CAN ONLY COME THROUGH UNDERSTANDING!
These Sadducees were taught to memorize the attributes of God,
BUT WERE NEVER TAUGHT HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE POWER THAT FLOWS FROM THE SCRIPTURES!
I pray that we as Christians would not fall victim to this!
"DON'T JUST READ THE WORD OF GOD!"
"PRAY THAT GOD WOULD ALLOW YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE POWER BEHIND HIS WORD'S!"
"Then, go out & teach others to do the same!"
KNOWLEDGE IS ONLY BENEFICIAL, IF IT IS APPLIED CORRECTLY!

Isaiah 55:9

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
It is very easy to get caught up in the moment!
It is even easier to lose focus of God's Eternal Plan!
Sometimes the Great Commission becomes blurry!
That is when we must sincerely come to God & say:
"LORD, LET ME SEE AS YOU SEE!"
"YOUR PLANS FAR EXCEED MINE!"
"YOUR HEART LONGS FOR THE SALVATION OF EVERYONE!"
"LORD, MAKE YOUR BUSINESS, MY BUSINESS!"
Today, I would like to encourage everyone to earnestly pray this prayer:
"Lord, please Forgive & Remove my Short-Sightedness & Replace it with Eternal Passion for Lost & Hurting Souls!"
EVANGELISM 2013
Salvation In Motion!

The Church of New Thought

While driving recently my wife and I passed a Church called "The Church of New Thought" my question is this....in order for it to be a church of new thought, do you constantly have to come with new ideas? How long can a 'new thought' remain new? 

A well known proven Christian Pastor and publisher of a international Christian magazine has recently changed positions on a few things. He says he wants to redefine marriage and make it gender-neutral. He also received funding a from pro-abortion, pro-atheism billionaire and allowed the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the world’s largest gay activist organization, to take out paid advertising in his magazine. 

  "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" ~1 Timothy 4:1~ The  Bible warns us in Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world and not according to Christ."  In Hebrew 13:8 The Bible tells us God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

I don't know how someone falls away from God but I do know that pride, even in my walk, can certainly lead to it. Also, do not be deceived in thinking this could not happen to you and me, and this is why we need to remain humble before God. The word tells us in James 1:21, "...get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." God is faithful to keep us but Jonah 2:8 tells, "Those who worship worthless idols FORFEIT the grace that could be theirs" 

Not only do I not want "new ideas' the word of God warns me against them. Think I stick with what is tested, tried, and true. 

The Bible...it's what's good for you! 

Luke 4:18-19

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
TELL THE WORLD ABOUT JESUS!
IT'S YOUR GOD-GIVEN DUTY!
EVANGELIZE! EVANGELIZE! EVANGELIZE!
"Evangelism Benefits Everyone!"
"Because everyone is a Victim of Sin!"
"Therefore, Evangelism is the Proclamation of Victory Over Sin!"

How do you respond to insults?

In Psalm 22:6-8 David writes, "But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads" 'He trusts in the Lord' they say, 'let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him'

People mocked David for His faith. They could only see what looked like failure, pain, and misery. In Job 2:9 we see the same thing, only this time it was a loved one hurling the insults, "His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Job answered his wife by  saying, "“You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said" did you catch that? Job did not sin in what he said! He answered with kindness and love, he did not retaliate with harsh words. Job said she was 'acting' like a foolish women. Rebuking her behavior, not attacking her person. 

Although the Savior Jesus was yet to come David shares in His suffering when he answers in verses 16-22, "Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. But you, O Lord, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you" 

And we have the best example in our Lord Jesus Himself in 1Peter 2:23 "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" 

Vindication is the Lords. How will you respond when someone speaks rudely to you, insults you, or questions your faith? Do you not know what the scriptures say? "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 12:1-4

Ephesians 5:16

"Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
"PROCRASTINATION IS A KILLER!"
Many claim that God has called them!
But very few actually claim their calling!
Question:
'If God called you, why haven't you answered?'
'What are you waiting for?'
'Are you leaving God's work for another day?'
"LIFE IS SHORT & YOU WON'T GET A SECOND CHANCE TO REPEAT IT!"
Therefore, don't ever make the mistake of putting off God's work!
That is what you were created for!
That is what you were meant to accomplish!
The truth is that:
"YOU WILL NEVER FULLY BE SATISFIED UNTIL YOU FULFILL GOD'S CALLING FOR YOUR LIFE!
"Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
"PROCRASTINATION IS A KILLER!"
Don't wait any longer!
"GO!!!" In the mighty name of Jesus!!!

Proverbs 2:1-8

"My son, if you accept My words
And store up my commands within you,
Turning your ear to wisdom
And applying your heart to understanding—
Indeed, if you call out for insight
And cry aloud for understanding,
And if you look for it as for silver
And search for it as for hidden treasure,
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord
And find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds success in store for the upright,
He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
For He guards the course of the Just
And protects the way of His Faithful Ones.
"COME HOLY SPIRIT & DO AS YOU PLEASE!"
"IT IS YOU THAT WE NEED!"
Wisdom is something precious, therefore, God has hidden it from passer-byer's & reserved it for those who will appreciate it's benefits!
"ALL GLORY BELONGS TO GOD!"

Romans 12:21

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
At times, it may not be easy to surrender our circumstances to God's Infallible Wisdom.
But the truth is that our natural reaction will always be contrary to God's Desires.
God is a spirit, therefore, natural desires are not in His Nature!
The desires of God are Pure, Gentle & True!
Therefore, God's Desires will always seek a peaceful resolution to our circumstances.
Whether we understand His Reasoning or Not!
"WE ARE NOT REQUIRED TO UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING THAT GOD ASKS OF US FOR THE SAKE OF PEACE, BUT WE ARE REQUIRED TO OBEY!"
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12:9-12

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
"LOVE IS REVEALED TO US IN MANY DIFFERENT FORMS!"
Pray that God would grant you the understanding, when it is revealed!
"TO REJECT LOVE IS TO REJECT GOD HIMSELF!"
Therefore, always be alert to the circumstances surrounding a situation!
"HONOR ONE ANOTHER ABOVE YOURSELVES!"
Be careful as to how you react in any given circumstance!
"YOUR REACTION WILL DETERMINE WHO YOU ARE HONORING!"

Romans 12:3-8

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
GOD CREATED US AS INDIVIDUALS!
BUT REQUIRES THAT WE JOIN TOGETHER AS ONE BODY!
DIVISION WILL ONLY RESULT IN DESOLATION!
WHILE UNITY WILL ALWAYS ALLOW US TO EXPERIENCE THE VICTORY!
"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

Romans 12:1-2

Have you made Jesus Christ your Lord & Savior?
If your answer is Yes, then have you figured out God's Calling for your life?
If so, speak it out & then begin to live it out!
If not, what is holding you back?
Romans 12:1-2 says,
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
The truth is that we must first offer ourselves, in order for God to use our life's!
Unless we say,
"Here You go Lord, this is what I have to offer, use it as You desire!"
He can not use us!
GOD WANTS A WILLING VESSEL!
BUT HE ALSO REQUIRES A TRANSFORMED VESSEL!
Therefore, allow God to remove your old pattern of thinking!
This world places restrictions on everything we do!
But God grants us access to limitless possibilities!
"IN THE NATURAL MIND, GOD'S CALLING FOR YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER MAKE SENSE NOR ADD UP!"
This in turn will create doubt & fear which will ultimately result in you accepting that God could never choose you for such a task due to such & such reasons.
"BUT IN THE SPIRIT, YOU SEE AS GOD SEES & FAITH BEGINS TO REPLACE DOUBT & FEAR!"
"In order to receive God's Calling, a person must first be receptive to God!"

Isaiah 6:8

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”"
JUST TELL THE WORLD ABOUT JESUS!
THIS WORLD WILL NOT SURVIVE MUCH LONGER WITHOUT HIM!HEAVEN IS IN NEED OF SOME VOICES HERE ON EARTH!
WILL YOU BE THE NEXT ONE TO STEP OUT & BOLDLY PROCLAIM:
"JESUS IS LORD OF ALL!!!"
TELL SOMEONE OF GOD'S GOODNESS TODAY!
BECAUSE THE WORLD TRULY ONLY KNOWS SADNESS!
They may pretend to understand happiness, but in reality, their happiness is actually deception.
Temporary Happiness can not compare to Eternal Joy!
ETERNAL JOY ONLY COMES THROUGH ACCEPTING JESUS CHRIST AS LORD & SAVIOR, THEN FOLLOWING HIM INTO ETERNITY!
On my behalf, I say "HERE AM I, SEND ME LORD!"
How about you?

THIS WEEKEND...

Men & Women invited to both nights

Friday April 12th

Night of Prayer

7-9pm

Bart & Kim Helmbrecks House

2562 N 124th St Apt 404

414-678-8323

 

Saturday April 13th

Acoustic Worship with TJ Zovar and Fishgate

6-9pm

Evangel Assembly of God

99th & Good Hope

Common Grounds Room



Romans 5:12-21

"When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. And though there was no law to break, since it had not yet been given, they all died anyway -- even though they did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. What a contrast between Adam and Christ, who was yet to come! And what a difference between our sin and God's generous gift of forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God's bountiful gift. And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but we have the free gift of being accepted by God, even though we are guilty of many sins. The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but all who receive God's wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam's one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness makes all people right in God's sight and gives them life. Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight. God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful kindness became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful kindness rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
"SHARE CHRIST! SHARE LIFE! SHARE HIM WITH THE WORLD!"

Romans 10:15b

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
ARE YOU MORE CONCERNED WITH YOUR APPARELL OR YOUR MESSAGE?
Your walk has nothing to do with your looks!
You can have shiny shoes on the outside!
But crusty feet on the inside!
Your testimony has more to do with your character!
Than it does with your appearance!
"WE MUST CLOTHE OURSELVES WITH CHRIST!"
"NOT PRETEND TO BE HIM!"
The most effective way to reach people is to be REACHABLE!
NOT UNTOUCHABLE!
When Christ walked this earth, He chose the simple things, in order to be chosen by the simple ones.
He had a purpose!
He wanted to reach everyone, so He became like no one!
He did not present Himself like some great king!
He did not present Himself like a great icon!
Yet, the one thing that made everyone turn their heads when they came into His presence was His Flawless Character!
"JESUS' TESTIMONY PRECEEDED HIM!'
People were drawn to Him because of His Message which brought them Hope, not His appearance!
Therefore, we as Christians should follow Jesus' example!
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
ARE YOU MORE CONCERNED WITH YOUR APPARELL OR YOUR MESSAGE?
Don't concern yourself with the outward appearance, if your insides are not ready to be unveiled!
Else, when people are drawn to your outward appearance, they will soon realize that you are just putting on a show!

2 Kings 18:5-7a

"Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook."
Three things stand out continually for God's Servants:
1- "HEZEKIAH TRUSTED IN THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL!"
Hezekiah placed his trust specifically in The God of Israel!
Where do you place your trust in times of need?
Do you allow God to take control of your situation?
Or do you try to figure it out for yourself?
2- "HE HELD FAST TO THE LORD & DID NOT STOP FOLLOWING!"
Hezekiah understood the importance of his Godly Duties!
Have you let go of the Lord?
Have you taken a vacation from following Him?
Have you forgotten the benefits of the Lord's Guidance?
3- "HE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN WHATEVER HE UNDERTOOK!"
Hezekiah's success came from walking in the Lord's Will!
How have your endeavors been going lately?
Are you succeeding in ministry, family, relationships, business, life?
Are you in need of some improvement in any of these areas?
There are many questions here, but there is one far more important for the Servant of the Lord.
That question is:
"LORD, HOW CAN I BE OF BETTER USE FOR YOUR KINGDOM?"
Maybe you have fallen short in one of these areas.
Maybe in all of them!
I know I have!
This is just a friendly reminder that 'YOU BELONG TO GOD!'
"YOU WERE MADE FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE & GOD WON'T RELENT UNTIL YOU FULFILL IT!"
"Trust God! Follow God! Be Successful through God!"

Mark 16:15

"Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."
There are two sobering truths that must be revealed about Evangelism:
1- EITHER WE HAVE THE PRIVILEDGE OF SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH THE LOST & WATCHING THEM BE SET FREE,
2- OR WE HAVE THE BURDEN OF WATCHING THEM DIE IN THEIR SIN BECAUSE OF OUR SILENCE!
Don't ever pass a lost soul up!
For all you know, everyone else may have already given up on that person, BUT JESUS HASN'T & IT'S OUR DUTY TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY KNOW!
"Share the Gospel & Share Life!"
"Withhold the Gospel & Withhold Life from a Dying Soul!"
OUR JOB IS TO PREACH THE GOSPEL!
NOT DECIDE WHO HEARS IT!
Let Jesus scatter the seed as He chooses!
All He requires of us is that we be the hands He uses to scatter the seed with!

Psalm 29:2

"Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness."
I don't know about anyone else, but I want to get lost in God's Presence!
I want to go sooooo deep that I can not find my way back!
The word "Ascribe" means to accredit or pay tribute to...
That is exactly what I want to do today!
GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE!
PAY TRIBUTE TO WHOM TRIBUTE IS OWED!
God, through His infinite mercy & grace sent His amazing love in the form of His only son Jesus Christ to Redeem the sinner from eternal damnation!
GOD SENT JESUS TO OPEN THE DOORS OF HEAVEN FOR US!
NO ONE ELSE CAN MAKE THIS CLAIM!
THE GOD I SERVE IS THE GOD OF ALL CREATION!
THE GOD I SERVE ANSWERS TO NO ONE!
NOT EVEN ME WHEN I BEGIN TO QUESTION MY PATH!
GOD DOES AS HE PLEASES & HAS THE RIGHT TO USE ME AS HE CHOOSES!
ALL I AM IS BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS!
ALL I DO IS BECAUSE OF WHAT HE DID!
I AM HIS SERVANT!
HE IS MY GOD!
HE PUT LIFE IN ME, THEREFORE, I OWE IT TO HIM!
My prayer is that others would join the assembly in heaven as Glory & Honor is ascribed to the Lord!
If you get anything out of all this, let it be to:
"LIVE A LIFE OF GRATITUDE!"
"Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness."

and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

Hebrews 5:7-8 7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission....

And He was heard...

because of His reverent submission. 

Why should we be any different? 

John 19:30

"When Jesus had tasted it, He said, "It is finished!" Then He bowed His head and released His spirit."
"IN ORDER TO GROW, WE MUST BE STRETCHED!"
Mountains are surrounded by one of two things:
Valleys or Plains.
Either way, in order to reach the mountaintop, we must cross the unknown!
The Unknown usually involves Reluctance or Fear.
Conquer them & growth has taken place in your life!
Reluctance, because we sometimes desire the joy of the harvest without the labor involved.
Valleys are tough & dry, therefore we would rather spare ourselves the struggles of suffering through hard times, but still expect the joy of accomplishing our goals!
Fear, because we sometimes give in to our anxious thoughts when things don't happen as quickly as we expect them to.
Plains are straight & lengthy, therefore we sometimes lose focus of what's ahead of us due to the distance & then begin to doubt our path!
But today I am here to let you know that:
"IT IS WORTH IT!"
"DONT GIVE UP!"
"NO MATTER HOW DIFFICULT!"
"NO MATTER HOW WEARISOME!"
"NO MATTER HOW FAR!"
"KEEP GOING!"
WHY?
"BECAUSE IT IS WORTH IT!"
"NOTHING GOOD EVER COME EASY!"
But don't take my word for it, Jesus said it best as He was hanging nailed to a cross!!!
"When Jesus had tasted it, He said, "It is finished!" Then He bowed His head and released His spirit."
"IN ORDER TO GROW, WE MUST BE STRETCHED!"

Suffering...a gift of God.

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Suffering for doing wrong is of no value, but a righteous suffering brings perseverance, character, and hope, it also teaches us to pray and obey, as our needs are dependent of God alone. The word long-suffering has often been changed or translated to "patience" so many people do not know that long-suffering is actually of the Holy Spirit. This is a gift that is hard to understand, however we should be thankful for it as it brings us closer to God. 

Galatians 5:22 tells us, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:

To those who may be still young in their faith and don't understand suffering. Suffering can be described as "patient endurance in faith while we wait on God in our circumstance, through which we learn obedience"

Let Jesus be our example...

Hebrews 5:7-8 7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered

Romans 10:17

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Today, I would just like to encourage everyone to dig deeper into God's Word!
Our relationship with Christ does not consist of how many times we go to church, how many good things we do, or even how well we pray!
"GOD IS ONLY INTERESTED IN FAITH!"
Why, you may ask?
Because it is the only unseen element that catches God's attention!
"FAITH TIES THE SPIRITUAL REALM TO THE NATURAL!"
He also says in His Word:
"It is impossible to please God without Faith!"
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Today, I would just like to encourage everyone to dig deeper into God's Word!
Enjoy your day!

Psalm 134:2

"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord."
Have you ever woke up & praised God for your hands?
Have you ever taken a walk & praised God for your feet?
Have you ever praised God for giving you a mouth to praise Him with?
Sadly, we usually thank God for the pleasantries of life,
Yet take for granted the things that make them so special!
"GOD CREATED HANDS TO BLESS HIM, FEET TO DANCE FOR HIM & MOUTHS TO PRAISE HIM!"
"BUT WE ONLY SEEM TO THANK HIM FOR WHAT HE GIVE US!"
I don't know about you, but it doesn't seem to me as though this matches up with our intended purpose!
Jesus came to give us life more abundantly,
but He did not intend for us to become so consumed in it that we would lose focus of "THE GIVER OF LIFE!"
"THE GIFT OF LIFE LOSES ITS VALUE IF WE TAKE THE GIVER FOR GRANTED!"
Therefore,
Enjoy your family!
Enjoy your friends!
Enjoy your life!
But most of all:
"ENJOY YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!"
"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord."

Are you dealing with a difficult situation

As our family faces difficult times with one daughter battling bone cancer, another daughter with an eating disorder and currently in a long term hospital stay, another daughter with chronic stomach pain, my father in the hospital for over two weeks now with no improvement, and an uncle having triple bi-pass surgery today...God is still in control. 

Please do not look at our trouble and feel sorry for us, neither should you look at our problems and feel better about your situation if your problems are less then ours. Instead compare all suffering to the love and kindness of God who sent His only Son to suffer for us, that we might be reconciled to Himself. In all situations let your requests be known to God through prayer, humility, and thankfulness, and a supernatural peace will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.  

Our family could not face these situations without the love and power of Christ. Do you have fear and worry in your life? Put your faith and trust in Jesus.

Psalm 57:1-3 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who pursue me—God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

What is truth?

John 18;37- 40  “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”³⁸ “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. ³⁹ But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”⁴⁰ They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.

 

When we read this exchange between Jesus and Pilate we really see two contrasting approaches to truth. Pilate ask Jesus this important question " What is truth?" Truth is something to be a known fact based on indisputable evidence. The truth is that Jesus was innocent of the crimes that the chief priest accused Him of and Pilate knew it. However, Pilate was willing to overlook the "truth" so he could maintain his political position. Pure truth cannot be tarnished by ones own agenda!

When confronted with the "truth" we can respond in two ways. We can accept the truth or we can reject it. One thing that we cannot do is change the definition of truth.  The Word of God is pure truth.

John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you.

John 8:36  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

If you are being deceived in an area of your life and when you need a deliverance in your life, seek out God's truth in His Word. Your freedom has been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary!

Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Today, the morning after celebrating Jesus' Resurrection, will you make this your prayer?
LORD, MY HANDS WILL BE YOUR HANDS!
USE THEM TO TOUCH THE WORLD!