Itchin' for Camp 2014

 

 

Tonight was the presentation for our camp experiences from Cedar Glades camp 2013. Five of the ten counselors and five of the kids got up and spoke from the heart. The following is my speech:

Matthew 16:24-25 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

I lost my life last year and I found a new and completely better one this year. Wow what a difference a year can make!

 As many of you know, I accepted the Lord as my savior last year after spending most of my life thinking I was saved at age 9. I remember being baptized, but I didn't remember anything about my salvation experience. Sin didn't bother me. Looking back, I was as lost as could be. Deep down, I knew I was lost all those years, but every time I thought I needed to change my salvation status, the devil would whisper to me otherwise. "You're saved! Don't waste that preacher's time going up there and telling him you need saving." The day I said the prayer with Brother Terry, I was compelled to. I knew I had to. I chalked it up to re-dedication. 

When I was helping teach Vacation Bible School, it was brought up several times about being truly saved. Sometimes kids get saved because they see their friends do it. Some because their parents tell them they should. They never really know the wonderful change that comes into your heart when you accept Jesus into your life. When we were in the training class to be camp counselors, the scenario came up of a child approaching us that she doesn't feel she is saved. Alarms went off in my head. I asked, "What do you say to them if that's what they ask?" Well 9 out of 10 of them are saved but they just have doubts because kids don't know how to deal with the fact they still sin but that doesn't affect their salvation. But what about that one? That one that really wasn't saved back then when she thought she was? How do you know? That Sunday night was pretty miserable not being able to talk to either Brother Blake or Brother Terry. I was conflicted and in complete turmoil. Thanks to Blake, Kari Ann, and Terry, I realized that I was truly saved last year and I needed to make my public declaration of faith followed by believer's baptism. Thank you to my husband for staying around me while I temporarily lost my mind.

I told you that to tell you this:

I was on the verge of an anxiety attack at the very thought of going to camp. Once we got there, a peace settled over me. I knew why I was sent there when on the night of invitation one of our sweet girls came to me bawling her eyes out. I asked why she was so sad and with her answer, I felt a camp come over me. "I don't think I'm saved." I went through all I did so I could be there for this girl. For this moment. We spent the next little bit talking about why she felt like that and what she think we needed to do about it. I don't know if she is completely better with it, but the look on her face said she was. (She's one I pray for often.)

There were so many moments at camp that showed me that He was working in that camp. Every obstacle we encountered had an immediate resolution. I know that when I was told I had to find enough stuff to treat 40 heads and the stuff to treat the beds, my first instinct was, "AT 8:30 AT NIGHT IN IMBODEN, AR?!?!" I said a prayer before I drove off and headed to Walnut Ridge. Two trips and three stores later, we were having spa night in Cabin 3 singing praise songs and having a blast. The grown-ups didn't get to bed until 2:30 that morning and the girls got to have a slumber party! The next morning was donuts and chocolate milk delivered to the cabin instead of traipsing through the rain for powdered eggs and hamburger/sausage patties. How awesome is that?!? The best part is we ended the week with three Finch girls becoming sisters in Christ. 

The Simpkins have already started our list of what we need to bring to next year's camp!

Itching for Camp 2014

Camp was fantastic. It was as memorable as one can possibly imagine your first trip to camp to be. Our first night was pretty uneventful, we were just trying to get them to decide which bunk they wanted. The next day made up for it. Their devotional in the morning was awesome. It was about 2:00 when we suspected that four of the girls that were given to us by another church had lice. It wasn't until after dinner that it was confirmed and the military would have been impressed with the precision utilized in combating the little bugs. I went 45 miles away to the closest store that would have enough treatments for 40 heads while three others started stripping beds and bagging them. It took three stops to find enough, but I got the needed supplies including garbage bags and spray for the mattresses. Two of the other counselors then took them to a nearby town to a laundry mat and overtook all the dryers and begun the "air"-ial (hot air) assault on the critters that might have been in the bedding. I made it back to discover that we aren't allowed to do a preventative treatment with chemicals. So I then drove back to Wal-Mart, bought 4 bottles of lice preventative shampoo and drove back to the camp. These two trips took about 2 hours. We started washing girls' heads about 10:30 pm. Keep in mind these girls went swimming earlier that day, so we used several towels for that. So, we start washing heads. We used every towel in the place washing all those heads! One junior counselor and me, two of the other junior counselors were staging the girls to be ready to get their hair wash and then receive them when they were washed. Military precision for sure! God was all over this. We were laughing and singing. Singing praise and worship songs that we all hear on KLOVE, and of course "Father Abraham" repeatedly! But it was phenomenal how every time we were thrown an obstacle, God gave us a wonderful solution. Can you imagine if this would have happened on the weekend when there were lots of families trying to do their laundry? Instead, the girls were able to use every dryer in the place at the same time and cut the treatment of the bedding in half.  We finally tumbled into bed after 2:00 am.

The blessing the next morning came in the form of donuts and milk since we missed the group breakfast. Unfortunately, it was raining and all the towels that were on the line were now wet again. We had to make more trips to the dryers. It wasn't a problem at all. That day progressed into a bit of panic and chaos. The devil tried everything in the world to mess up our camp. A long story short, those little critters somehow managed to invade 5 cabins total. Our children's church camp had to be cut a day short. But let me tell you, when those three precious souls gave their hearts to Jesus, it made it worth it. I cried my eyes out with joy for those sisters in Christ.

It was when one of the girls came to me crying her eyes out with her heart broken and told me she didn't think she was saved, that was when I knew I was where I was meant to be. I don't think there was anyone there that could have helped her any better than I could at that precise moment. Her heart was broken because she kept doing bad things and couldn't stop. But the relief in her face when she realized that when she was actually one of God's children was worth everything I have been through. Everyone sins. Those who are saved feel bad about sinning. Those who are still lost don't. Even a nine year old can understand it. 

I have already begun my list of things I am bringing with me for camp next year. I can't wait. We are all itching for camp 2014!

Crisis of Faith

Every Christian is bound to have one sooner or later and I find myself deep in the middle of one right now. 

Our doctrine states that once saved, always saved. I sincerely believe that. The Bible says that NOTHING can remove us from His hands once we have accepted Jesus as our savior. 

But what if you're not really saved? What if you just went through the motions? What if you don't even remember the prayer? What if you don't remember the incredible change that is inevitable with the rebirth of salvation? What if you were too young to have consciously made that decision? 

I vaguely remember the baptism. Pieces of it, more than anything. I remember that I had visited a family friend's church. I remember it was winter. That's it. 

I am to go to children's camp for the first time this year. I am going as a counselor. We had a meeting yesterday regarding what to expect, how to respond, and scenarios. "I don't think I'm saved!" was one of those scenarios. I didn't pass the litmus test. Mind you, this is a thought that has coursed through my consciousness for most of my adult life. Sin didn't bother me like it should have. Not that I was a serial murder, but a halo would have only been held aloft by my horns back then. A year ago, I prayed along with the preacher again from the comfort of my pew. I have changed since that point. I am better. I want to be better. I WANT to live for God. I want to help teach kids and others how He loves us. But since I didn't do the public declaration of faith and other symbolic return gestures of thanks to God, am I still saved? 

I will get back to you after my session with my favorite preacher/best friend.  

10:05 pm after the session

I am an over-thinker. I know this. Tonight was one of those instances. I knew what I needed to do, but I needed the assurance from those smarter than me. 

I will be going forward Sunday to tell the world that Jesus saved me and this changed my life. 

A weight has been lifted. 

How To Walk On Water

May 5, 2013

Matthew 14:22-33 KJV
[22] And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. [23] And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. [24] But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. [26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. [27] But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. [28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. [29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. [31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? [32] And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. [33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

We all have storms in life. They come in different shapes and sizes. But what do you do when you know The Lord loves you but it seems He is miles away during these times?

1. The Storm
A. It was in The Lord's plans. Verse 22 constrained the disciples into the ship. He planned for them to go directly into the storm. He doesn't tempt us with evil, but He tests us often. The devil tempts us to bring out the worst in us and The Lord tests us to bring out the best in us. Some storms are preparation for a bigger storm later. These disciples were going to later face some really big storms for their faith from ridicule to death. This storm was preparation for those storms. But don't we always learn something new about our God when we go through these storms?
B. Following the will of God led these disciples directly into the storm. We have a misconception about Christianity that our lives will be smooth sailing and clear skies when we follow the will of God. Jesus, who spent His entire spotless life following the will of God. He followed it directly into the storm of Calvary. He never promised smooth sailing, He only promise a smooth landing. Isn't it good news that there is someone in Heaven praying for us all the time? I know that my heart smiles when someone tells me they're praying for me.
2. The Savior
A. Verse 25 Jesus went onto them, walking on the sea. He went during the darkest hour of the night. One of the things we learn here is the supremacy of Christ. He came to them walking on water. We have never figured out how to walk on water. We can walk in space, but we can't walk on water. You have to believe in miracles to be saved. The resurrection was a miracle, and that is the basis of Christianity. This means that if a storm that created waves over the heads of those on the ship were a sidewalk for Jesus, that none of the problems we have in our lives can't be handled by Him.
B. What they thought was going to be a bad thing ended up being the biggest blessing of their lives.
He is whatever you need.
3. The Saint
A. Simon Peter was the extrovert. He failed 100 times. He even denied knowing The Lord. But you couldn't deny he loved Jesus. Simon Peter jumps from the boat even though his friends thought he was nuts. He walked on water because Jesus said Come. If you're in a storm, and you need to wall on water, ask for the word from God. But keep your eyes on Him. Don't do like Simon Peter did, when he realized he was still in the storm, his faith wavered and he began to sink. He prayed to be saved. Jesus lovingly pointed out the problem: oh you of little faith.

Some of our best lessons learned are during times of defeat. No matter your storm today, He will meet your needs. God is worthy, He is sufficient in all our needs.

The Easter Good News: He Was Buried

By definition, the gospel is the good news.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4a (KJV)

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried...

1 Corinthians 15:1-4a (NIV)

1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried...

1.) The Reality of the Burial of Jesus

 Normally when there was a Roman crucifixion, they would leave the body up to decompose. The Romans would also burn those crucified, among other horrible, despicable things to those they killed by hanging on a cross.  The disciples were anxious about how Jesus was going to be treated after His death. God had already decided that Jesus was going to be buried in the borrowed tomb of a rich man. This burial was the most important burial of all time. This burial was the good news that Jesus was buried. Why is it good news that He died and was buried?

John 19:31-40 31 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37 and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced." 38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.
The Jews were very adamant that Jesus had to be buried before sundown on the Sabbath. Several times it is mentioned regarding of the body of Christ in these passages. They are more worried about the law of the land (adhering to the burial time frame) than the fact they just crucified our Lord. They were also worried about the breaking of the body. God had already spoken that Jesus would not have one bone broken, even after being on the cross. Joseph of Arimathea is one of the disciples that came to ask for the body of Christ. Joseph was a good man, a rich man, and a great example of how one can live well and faithful in even the worst of time. He was secretly a disciple for fear of the Jews. He was afraid of what others would think of him of they knew he was a follower of Christ. There are people who have been saved but won't make that public. They won't let anyone know where they stand for The Lord. Do people who you work with, socialize with, do they know where you stand with The Lord? Do your closest friends even know? If you have never professed your faith publicly, you need to come forward in front of the congregation and make you Public Profession of Faith. And then you need to follow that up with Believers Baptism to tell the world you love God and Jesus. Matthew 10: 32-33 32 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
The cross gave Joseph courage to come forward to claim Jesus. It also gave Nicodemus courage. That's how it works, fire catches fire catches fire! We should never be ashamed of the decisions we make during the Invitational.

Why does the Bible even record the burial of Jesus? There are books and talking heads that try to say that Jesus didn't really die. Follow me here: He hung on a cross for 6 hours after having spikes hammered into His hands and feet, a spear shoved deep into His side, given vinegar to drink, they took the nails from His hands and feet and placed Jesus in the tomb, but He then rolled the heavy stone away in the weakened state of dehydration and loss of blood, walked miles, and somehow convinced the disciples that He died and rose again. It is easier for me to believe that Jesus died and rose again than that story. You know why? Not that Jesus COULDN'T do those things, because the Bible tells me Jesus died, and was placed in that tomb. That is why I don't believe that hogwash He didn't die.

2.) The Requirements of the Burial of Jesus

He was wrapped in linen and spices. Linen is representative of the sinlessness of Jesus. When we talk about perfection and being spotless, we use linen to symbolize that. The spices were the sacrifices and righteousness of Jesus Christ. He came here for the specific purpose to die for our sins. Verse 41 Jesus was crucified and buried in a garden. Sin was born in a garden with Adam. Sin died in a garden with Jesus.

3.) The  Reasons of the Burial of Jesus

When Jesus was buried 2000 years ago, He was not buried alone. Thousands of people were buried with Him. I was buried with Him. If you're saved, if you're a born-again child of God, you were buried with Him, as well. Being identified with Jesus and identified by faith, everything He experienced, as do we. This means our sins are forgiven. This also means our sins are forgotten.

You need to get the fact that God will not just forgive but forget your past. You can let to of your past sins. The devil will bring it up time and time again. You better count on it, but you can write a check on the fact that your past life is gone. You live on from where God saved you.

 Husbands, you need to start leading your families. You need to be a strong Christian leader for your wives and children. Wives, you need to support your husbands in their roles as leaders in your home. You need to build up your husbands. A strong leader is imperative. You can spout all day about equality and women's rights, but when you need someone to cleave to, when you need someone to give you support, do you want a sturdy oak or do you want a weak willow? You can't get that support if you're constantly tearing down your husbands. It isn't weakness, but strength of character to trust your husband to lead you where God wants you to go. We are told to leave our fathers and mothers and cleave to each other as one.

Why Good Things Happen To Bad People

Most often the question is asked, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" This sermon focuses on why good things happen to bad people. 

Why Bad Things Happen to Good People

Psalm 73:1-3,7-19 (KJV)

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. [2] But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. [3] For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.... [7] Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. [8] They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. [9] They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. [10] Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. [11] And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? [12] Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. [13] Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. [14] For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. [15] If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. [16] When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; [17] Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. [18] Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. [19] How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

Psalms 73-89 (NKJV)

A psalm of Asaph.

1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.... 7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. 8 They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. 9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. 10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. 11 They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" 12 This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth. 13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. 14 All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. 15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children. 16 When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. 18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. 19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

The author, most attribute Psalms to be written by David, affirms the existence of God. Then he confirms the character of God: God is good. He looked around at life and looked at things going on his life an almost lost it. He was confused with the contradictions in life. If there's a God and if He's a good God, then why would he allow bad things to happen to His people? In this Psalm we see the flip side if this question of why good things happen to bad people? Wicked Godless men don't have problems and troubles that the believers have. They have no interest in the ways of God and make no attempt to live a moral life. They have a nice house, nice car, big bank account, their kids are in all the clubs and sports. Verse 3, "For I was envious of the boastful when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." He was struggling with the problems of the believers while being jealous of the nonbeliever. He came to the wrong conclusion that living for The Lord wasn't worth it; v16 it was too painful for me. It wasn't until verse 17 that he understood why. God blesses when we are faithful. Coming to church is when we often get that answer we have been seeking from God. Coming to church is when we receive the blessing of renewed covenant. Coming to church refills the emptiness that only God can fill.

When it comes to the past, there is one thing that all people have in common: we have all sinned and fell short of the measure of perfection. Genuine guilt is caused by sin. God has created us in such a way that creates guilt. But our culture has changed our perception that people have sin. To have sin would mean to face guilt and to admit you have fallen short of perfection. Everyone has to deal with the guilt of past sin. There is also the condemnation of sin; to be judged. Those without Christ are on death row of eternity, which is the ultimate of judgements. Burden of sin is another commonality. It snowballs until it smothers us. That is why it is so important to have Jesus in your life. To know you have only to confess your sins, to invite Christ in your heart, that He will wash away and forgive all your sins is what it's all about. That Christ was born, died and rose again to take away the sin of man, bear the burden of man upon Himself so that we would not have to suffer the eternal suffering.

Would you like to have a burden lifted today? Would you like to have that heavy load removed from your shoulders? That why it's so important to know The Lord. Only He can do that for us.

While we all have a sin past, we have a lot of people who can't live life in today. People who are not happy with no matter what they have. It seems the more they have, the less they're happy. Solomon was a great example of this. Ecclesiastes is a wonderful book to read for this example. He tried all worldly things to find joy and happiness; to find knowledge. The Fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

The future has to be planned for, we have to look toward the future. When we look at those who don't know The Lord, the word to use is fear, fear of death. V 18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. We are one day closer to death each day we awaken. We do not know the day, but are you prepared? Do you know God? Can you face the judgement of living a Christ-denied life to spend eternity in hell? One cannot live a dual life and make it. If you will accept Him as your savior, and when you do, you will feel a life changing fire fill you. If you truly mean it, you want Him to be your savior, you can't help but to want to live a better life. All the other worldly things won't matter. You will only want to spread the word so others can know His love and grace, so they, too can feel the forgiveness of God.

To summarize, why good things happen to bad people, a lot of times a destruction is thought to be what moves people to God. But mostly, that just hardens people against God. It isn't trials and tribulations that lead people to repent. Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? Goodness of God leads to repentance. Good things happen to bad people because He wants to lead those lost to Him through those blessings.

Growing a Church-Growing Christians

 

Acts 1:1-5

King James
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: [3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: [4] And, being assembled together with them , commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he , ye have heard of me. [5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

New King James

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

The book of Acts could be called 'The Unfinished Book' not because what was left out but because the work is still left to be done. There is great work that was begun that is to carry forth until the coming of our Lord. You can't improve on God's way of building a church. If a church follows the dynamic set forth in the book of Acts, the church will be successful. The principles for denominations, Sunday school, the buildings, and VBS  are not in Acts. However, if they use the principles for how the word of God is spread the church will grow.

The Church's Purpose

A. The Lord's work to continue- the church is the physical body of Jesus on the Earth. He is at the right hand of God in Heaven and so we must carry forth His work He started. B. The Lord's command is to be completed-Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Who did God have in mind when he built this building? People who need Jesus! Lost people, sad people, those who need the saving and healing power of our Lord Jesus Christ are who God had in mind when He built this building.
Make disciples- don't just invite them to church. Don't just stop there. Maybe they will talk about how hypocritical the church members at that building. Of course there are sinners in there! Of course they are judgmental! There was only one that was without sin, only one perfect soul without a spot. But you go to church to be closer to God, to be with Jesus, to pray and worship Our Heavenly Father. Take the time to explain to the lost one to how simple salvation is, for us win those to The Lord. It is a command of Jesus to make disciples and win those to Jesus.

What is our purpose as a church?

• Win the lost to Christ

• Help Christians grow

Pure and simple.

Church's personality-Jesus is the main personality 

 

Acts 1:3 (KJV)
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
They had hoped that Jesus was going to crush the Roman Empire. They were devastated that the empire crushed him, crucified him on Calvary. The disciples were distraught those days after his death, but Jesus showed that He was still alive with many inflatable proofs. If one can't believe Our Lord still lives it isn't a head problem it's a heart problem. Romans 10:9 (KJV)
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Just when you need Him most, He is there. He's like no other Super Hero. He is there at the exact right time. You can count on Him like no other.

The Power of the Church

The Promise of the Father:

The promise was the power to empower the church to be able to do what they need to do and be able to go out and do His works. This world has yet to see what a church can do with the Holy Spirit fully dwelling within its midst.


There were several in our congregation today that prayed during the invitation for Jesus to come into their heart, yet none came forward. It's hard to face a crowd with something so very personal. But if any of those are reading this or possibly others wanting to know more about how the sacrifice Jesus made for us, just ask a Christian.

Survival Pack Episode 3

January 20, 2013 
This is the third of the series by Brother Terry Gage. While this is not the complete sermon, it is the best I can type on a phone app. For best results, I suggest hearing the word in person. This information is meant to not just help you to survive but to thrive in the coming years.

Survival Phone

Matthew 6:9-15 (KJV)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. [10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [14] For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
NKJV
9 "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ' 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.



USAF Capt. Scott O'Grady, while he was waiting for his rescue, his radio was the most vital in the survival pack. More valuable than the water, more than the camo net.

We have to stay in contact with Central Control. We have to stay in communication with the One who can save us. We do this with prayer.

Lord, teach us to pray! There is something about this matter of prayer that is vital and the disciples knew it even back 2000+ years ago. There is no expert on prayer. We call the scripture listed The Lord's Prayer. It isn't Jesus' prayer because it asks to forgive of sin. He was without sin, so He had no sins to forgive. But this is a model prayer to show us how to pray. It shows us how to get in contact with God in prayer.

There are three parts:

Prayer is talking

The focus is on God, us talking to God. It is like a son or daughter speaking to their Father. What does this do to prayer? It implies a relationship; it makes it personal. It makes it familial. In order to talk to your father, you have to be part of the family. We are God's because he created us, but He isn't our Father until we are born again. When we ask Him into our heart to be our savior then you can call Him our Father. What is His address? Heaven, what a glorious place that will be. God has already set a rescue plan in place and He will come to this land of enemies and take us to His home. When we talk to Him, we don't speak flippant but we don't have to be flowery either. Talk to Him like you would your earthly father. Our Heavenly Father is what every Father is supposed to be, but is what every father cannot be.  We are subjects speaking to a King as well. Gods rule is not supreme right now. We are members of the Kingdom of Heaven. We need to pray every day for the thy Kingdom Come; for more  and more people to come to The Lord. We are in enemy territory but the King is on His way. Prayer is like a slave talking to his master, as well. The purpose of the slave is to carry out the will of his master. We are all slaves. You are a slave to the world or a slave to Jesus. I was glad to swap my servitude to my Lord Jesus Christ. He is always concerned with my well being and my life like no other. My job isn't concerned about how I am doing. That purse doesn't give two cents if I am okay. Jesus went from the Heavenly world where there were many  angels wishing to do His will to a world where very little desire to follow God's will is present. People think prayer is us talking God into our plans. We're smarter than Him, we have our PowerPoint in place, "God, just sign here and approve my plans." That isn't what prayer is. It isn't our will in Heaven, it's God's will on earth. Do you know what God's will is for your life? Do you think that if you surrender your life to Him, that He is going to ruin it for you? NO! He is going to make your life what you would do for your life if you had half the sense He does.

Prayer is asking:

The pronouns change, it goes from Thy to Us. The focus goes from God to us. We're asking for things now. We humans have three basic needs: material, social, and spiritual needs. We have the right to ask God to meet these needs. Give us this day put daily bread- all the material NEEDS. Our Heavenly Father knows how hard it is to meet our daily needs, and isn't it encouraging to know it's okay to ask for what your need? You don't have to ask specifically; He knows your need. He just loves to hear your voice. Just ask for your daily bread. Do you need a job? Do you need help paying bills? Ask daily to help with your material needs. Our social needs: forgive our debts (sins) and we forgive others for their debts (sins) every day. Let go the sins of your family and friends. Don't get historical when you get into a fuss with your spouse. Life is too short to hold grudges. Of course people have done you wrong and YOU have done others wrong. We killed God's only son but He forgave us. Ask him every day to forgive you, but forgive others of their wrongs, too. Neither will your Father will forgive you. If you don't have a forgiving heart, you haven't really had the God-experience in your life. Praying before the temptation instead of after, to try to avoid the temptation itself. The best offense is a good defense. Deliver us from [the] evil [one]. Satan is the original spiritual terrorist. His goal is to ruin your life.

Prayer is praising:

Do you praise Him when you pray? Kingdom, power and glory forever. All powerful and will you please have your power change my life? Your glory is all consuming and will your glory come over and lead me through the enemy territory?

If you don't have a church family, I implore you to find one.

New Year Survival Pack Episode 2

Survival Food

Psalm 119:129-133 (KJV)

Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. [130] The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. [131] I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. [132] Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. [133] Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Psalm 119:129-133 NJKV

Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps them. 130 The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. 131 I opened my mouth and panted, For I longed for Your commandments. 132 Look upon me and be merciful to me, As Your custom is toward those who love Your name. 133 Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. 

If you want to be strong and healthy you have to have good nutrition. The same thing is true in our spiritual lives. It is important for us to have nutritious spiritual food. We have to feed on God's word. You cannot resist temptation and trials of the world without the Bible. Any dietitian will tell you that to resist the temptations of the "bad" foods, you have to start off the day with a healthy breakfast and have available throughout the day things to fuel your body.
119 is the longest chapter in the whole Bible, but it is chocked full of references to the Bible.

1.) Do you appreciate your Bible? How often have you thanked God for your Bible? Have you expressed your gratitude to God for providing the book of good nutrition for our spirit?

Inspirational Thy testimonies are wonderful, Wonderful references to another name for God, unique, one of a kind, none other like it. He is our wonderful savior. The Bible is one of a kind, it is unique. There are those that say it is inspired, much like any other book of literature. How many weeks would you come listen to lessons on Shakespeare? (I can remember having to sit through Romeo and Juliet and thinking that this is cruel and unusual punishment.) Some say some of it's inspired and some isn't. If the Bible is inspired in spots and some of it is divine, then who is going to tell us which parts are inspired and which are truth? You don't have a Bible that is filled with holes, you have a Whole Bible. Do you want to know how I know this was written by God?

2Timothy 3:15 (KJV)
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:15 & 16 NKJV
and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
 
This book has sense of harmony, sense of oneness from 40 different writers from every strata of society, 1600 years of time span, and several different continents, but all have the same hero and the same message.
Indestructibility
The Bible has persevered regardless of the the attacks on it. It has been attacked like no other book. Around 303 a.d., The roman emperor set out to destroy the Christian faith. 22 years later, Constantine declares the Bible the book of truth. Voltaire hated the Bible, "when I am through the Bible will be extinguished from the minds of he people." $500k was spent on an old Greek Bible. The same year, someone spent only $0.08 for all of Voltaire's writings. Tom Payne wrote The Age of Reason. He said, when I'm through, there won't be 5 Bibles left in the world. In the congregation of our church today there were more than 200, and that was a small church on the side of the road on the edge of  Greene County Arkansas. Lawrence O'Donald, a television broadcaster is pushing to remove the Bible from the presidential inauguration. Mr. O'Donald believes why should my president lay his hand to swear on a book he doesn't believe in and neither does "most of America." Don't worry about this book. It will survive. (And Mr. O'Donald needs to check his statistics.)

This book has delivered addicts. It has dried up drunks. It has transformed liars and thieves. The Bible has soul saving power. It also has soul comforting power. Broken hearted families have been comforted by God, by the word of God. It has wisdom-giving power. It has joy-giving power. The rich people are not usually the happy people, quite opposite. It is foolish for Christian people to sell themselves for the pursuit of money.

2.) Do you absorb your Bible? Do you let the Bible get into your life? Do you allow God's word to be digested into your life?

You first have to read it. The devil will do what ever he can to make you believe you don't have time to read your Bible. Make a commitment, make it a priority. He'll tell you that you can't understand it. TRY! If you were having trouble getting a package of Twinkies open, you'd do what ever you had to in order to get into those Twinkies. Try to understand. One of the keys to understanding is to apply the rule of context. Before and after verses show you the context of what is being said. What translation should I read? Don't let the devil mess you up with that! Read the translation that speaks to you. An unread Bible is like uneaten food. You can't get through the day without getting the sustenance to thrive. Not a Little Debbie cake and a Mt. Dew, but real food.

3) Do you apply your Bible?

While reading the Bible is imperative, it isn't the only thing we have to do. It's not just how many times you have been through the Bible, but how many times has the Bible been through you? You have receive it, you have to have a teachable spirit when you read it. Are you willing to obey what you read the instant you read it? If you are, the good news is you're in for blessings unending. It is not only to be read but is to be applied in out daily lives. How can people who profess to be Christian live contradictory lives? They have failed to allow what they believe to affect the way they behave. Be not just hearers of the word, but doers.

Apply God's word to your family and it will heal your family. Bring the entire family to the altar of God and ask Him to wrap His arms around you and heal what you have broken.

It will change our national life. If we can get those who just say they are Christians to start doing and not just saying, we will not just survive but we will thrive!
Make a commitment to read your Bible every day. It will change you, your church, your family, and your nation.


dcs/TG




Regarding the choice of translation, I have my preferences, but so does each and every person. It also depends on what I am doing. When I am reading my morning scriptures, I prefer Holman or NKJV. When I am writing, I reference NKJV or KJV, sometimes both. When I was searching for a Bible, I asked the clerk which she preferred and she said the same, it depends on the purpose. If the translation is one of the things that is causing you pause for reading the Bible, try reading the different versions on the various websites. I use www.biblestudytools.com but there are as many sites as there are translations. 

New Year Survival Pack: Episode 1

Survival Plan

Revelation 1:9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 

We, as a nation, are concerned about many things regarding our nation: the direction we're headed, terrorism, financial woes, loss of our rights. As a Christian, we need to be concerned that we have what it takes to get us through. 

John became a follower of Jesus as a young man, and during this time, the church came under the persecution of the Roman Empire. He was exiled to Patmos where he faced the whips of the taskmaster, worked hard labor, and lived in a cave for 16 months. God gave him a letter which was a survival plan for Christians during difficult times. Not just survive, but thrive. The great thing about the Bible is what was good for the Biblical times is good for us now.  

1.) You need a nutrition plan-

The world has food, but the food of this world is junk food. You might be happy to see a lunch box full of Oreos, but you won't survive with it. 

Revelation 10:8,9 

The Bible references the book of God to food and milk several times. When you are a young Christian, you need the milk to grow, like an infant needs its mother's milk. Other references are regarding food, Man shall not live on bread alone shows up in three verses (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4)  It contains all the sweetness and nourishment we need to grow and thrive. 

The Bible isn't just sugar but has bitterness, too. It talks of our sins and our faults. 

Have you wondered why there are so many anemic and weak Christians walking around? They don't feed daily on God's word. You have to feed every day just as you eat meals. I don't know too many folks that skip eating, but it's easy to skip church. What's it going to hurt? I don't have to go to church to be a good Christian.

2.) Communication Plan 

You have to stay in constant communication with Central Control. Think about all the help we have with God on our side: Jesus, angels, God. All we have to do is pray to him each and every day. Talk to Him, those eyes in the sky are more seeing and more knowing than we could ever be. Make a decision to wake each day and say Good Morning, Lord! Thank you for giving me another chance to do good in your eyes. Talk to Him throughout the day. Prayer is a conversation between you and God, talk to Him like you love Him; He loves you.

3.) Protection Plan

Can we be safe in these dangerous days? My children? How can we know that we're protected. 

Revelation 7:3,4 "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: This was regarding the Jews during The Great Tribulation 

Revelation 14:1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads. All 144,000 were still there; they were protected by God.

Sealed means you are totally protected. It was a mark put on us when we are genuinely born again that identifies us as owned by our Heavenly Father. 

4.) An Anticipation Plan

You have to be looking for someone to rescue you when you're in survival mode. We are looking for Jesus to come. It will get bad before He does. But it is a cause for hope and anticipation that the Mighty Redeemer comes quickly. 

Rev 22:7, 20 He tells him three times

You might say, John died and Jesus didn't come.  Either way, He did. If you die before The Lord comes, then you go to Him. Otherwise, He comes to you. Win/win situation. 

A woman was on a train full of passengers, and the conductor came over the intercom to tell them the train was in trouble and the passengers were going to have to brace for impact. One woman was completely calm and full of grace throughout the crash. When they were talking later, her fellow passengers asked her how could she remain so peaceful when faced with such an uncertain outcome. She said, she was on her way to see her daughter in California that she hasn't seen in several years, but if she would have died, she would have been greeted by her other daughter that died. Either way, someone she loved would be waiting for her at her destination.

Rev22:17 (how you can get survival plan.)
And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.  If you haven't accepted Christ as your savior and been born again, you must know this is the only survival plan that matters. It's all well and good to know how to skin a squirrel and make a duck call out of bamboo, but if you haven't been washed in the blood of the lamb, your goose is cooked.