You know its amazing how God often uses our trials and difficulties to bring life to others. I just got off the phone today after checking up on a few people who have been sick in our church. In every case, God used their affliction to do a needed work in others. Many of you know that Verneda Maloney has been in and out of the hospital lately. She's lost ten pounds and has been having a pretty rough time physically. But while in the hospital, she told me how her roommate was crying out one night saying that no one loved her. Verneda let her know that Jesus loves her and shared proceeded to share Christ with her. Before Verneda went home the woman's mother thanked Verneda for helping her daughter. Verneda also shared with me that she was able to share the love of Jesus with others in the hospital during her stay there. Before I got off the phone with Verneda she reminded me of the following scripture:
Romans 8:27 "And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[l] in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
God is always faithful to work out what the devil meant for our bad to His good and to our own good as well. The sickness, the trial, or tragedy is not the end, but many times just the beginning of what God is about to do in and through us.
Have a great day today! I am looking forward to our Sunday together!
-Pastor
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Muslims Turning to Christ Worldwide
This article was written over two years ago. Today, the hunger for Christ in the Muslim world is becoming a well-know problem for Muslim clerical leaders in all nations. Did you know that four of the Church of God's eight largest churches are in Indonesia which is a very dominant Muslim country with a history of hostitility toward Christians? Be sure to join us this Sunday as I explain why so many Muslims around the world are turning to Christ since 9/11.
Muslims Turn to Christ
By J. Grant Swank Jr. (01/03/07)
"Millions of Muslim converts to Christianity celebrated Christmas throughout the world, according to the reports of the various missionary organizations and news media" per SVM News.
One evangelistic agency alone, Salem Voice Ministries, reports that Muslims in India and many other Muslim nations have surrendered their souls to Christ. “There are about 500 evangelists ministering among Muslims in different African, Middle East and Asian countries. A vast number of Muslims finding the truth and attaining salvation of Jesus Christ day by day.
“’More Muslims converted to faith in Jesus Christ over the past decade than at any other time in human history. A spiritual revolution is underway throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. As a result, a record number of ex-Muslims are celebrating Christmas this year, despite intense persecution, assassinations, and widespread church bombings,’ stated Joel C. Rosenberg, the author of the New York Times best selling political thriller.â€
Secular media rarely reports such advances of Christianity, especially those thrusts into Islamic territories. However, there are evangelical efforts that know daily of such progress. Finally, God knows and that is ultimately what makes all the difference.
“Rosenberg said, he and his wife and kids were lived in the Mideast for three months. During that time, he had the privilege of interviewing more than three dozen Arab and Iranian pastors and evangelical leaders throughout the region. The picture they paint is one of Christianity being dramatically resurrected in the region of its birth.â€
When an individual turns from Islam to Christianity, the Koran stipulates that he be murdered. Many extremist Muslims take this seriously, thus the persecution leveled against untold Christians throughout the Middle East in particular.
Iraq, for instance, is becoming depopulated of Christians due to Islamic slaughter schemes. From time to time secular news reports this carnage. Other media regard persecution against Christians as just “another Christian story.†Nevertheless, the slaying of believers is daily and widespread and therefore should be broadcast worldwide regularly.
Countless Muslims are leaving the Koran’s Allah for Christ as Redeemer-God. They have turned from the Koran to the Bible. They have turned from the mosque to Christian sanctuary. They have turned from murder and maim to sharing kindness and Christ’s compassion.
“More than 10,000 Muslims accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior throughout India during the last year. The Bible Society of India publishing thousands of New Testaments for the Muslims with their own terminology and vocabulary in different Indian languages and Tazi language.
“Pastor Paul Ciniraj Mohamed, the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries, is one of the key persons of the Bible translators of the Bible Society of India to reach the Gospel to the Muslims. He is in the midst of persecution. Recently also he was threatened by the extremists to count down his days along with the whole family.
“In Iraq, more than 5,000 Muslim converts to Christianity have been identified since the end of major combat operations, with 14 new churches opened in Baghdad, and dozens of new churches opened in Kurdistan, some of which have 500 to 800 members. Also, more than one million Bibles shipped into the country since 2003, and pastors report Iraqis are snatching them up so fast they constantly need more Bibles.â€
No doubt much of the evangelism success with Muslims is due to intercessory prayer. Those believers in the free world have offered heaven their own petitions for divine truth to be revealed to Islamics. God has blessed those intercessions with practical, real-life conversions to Christ.
“Thousands of Muslims turned to Christ and worshipping Lord Jesus in Morocco, Somalia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Maldievs.
“Around a million believed in Jesus over the past decade in Egypt. The Egyptian Bible Society used to sell about 3,000 copies of the JESUS film a year in the early 1990s. But last year they sold 600,000 copies, plus 750,000 copies of the Bible on tape (in Arabic) and about a half million copies of the Arabic New Testament.
"’Egyptians are increasingly hungry for God's Word,’ an Egyptian Christian leader told. 'Last Christmas, I had the privilege of visiting the largest Christian congregation in the Middle East, which meets in an enormous cave on the outskirts of Cairo. Some 10,000 believers worship there every weekend. A prayer conference the church held in May 2005 drew some 20,000 believers', Rosenberg told.â€
With Iraq’s war revealing the demonic side of extremist Islamic adherents, another story is being written. It is that of the Holy Spirit working up and down neighborhood alleys and boulevards in convicting mortals of sin and despair. In that divine missionary work there are souls turning to the Light, the number eventually known only in the eternities.
“’There were only 17 Christians from Islam in Afghanistan on 2001. But there are more than 10,000 believers at present. Every week dozens of baptisms being held there.
“’In 1990, there were only three known Christians in Kazakhstan and no Christians in Uzbekistan, but now more than 15,000 in Kazakhstan and 30, 000 in Uzbekistan. There were only 500 Christians in Iran on 1979, but more than one million Iranians believing Jesus Christ today, most of whom meet in underground house churches.
“’In Sudan, more than one million have converted since 2000, and some 5 million have become Christians since the early 1990s, despite a radical Islamic regime and an on-going genocide that has killed more than 200,000. Seminaries are being held in caves to train pastors to shepherd the huge numbers of people coming to Christ. Why such a dramatic spiritual awakening?
"'People have seen real Islam, and they want Jesus instead,’ one Sudanese evangelical leader said.â€
These reports give increased courage to believers not to grow weary in well doing but to continue to intercede in prayer, live the holy life, and believe that the forever missionary, the Holy Spirit, is changing minds from darkness to light, from desperation to hope through Christ.
“In December 2001, Sheikh Ahmad al Qataani, a leading Saudi cleric, appeared on a live interview on Aljazeera satellite television to confirm that, sure enough, Muslims were turning to Jesus in alarming numbers. ‘In every hour, 667 Muslims convert to Christianity,’ Al Qataani warned. ‘Every day, 16,000 Muslims convert to Christianity. Every year, 6 million Muslims convert to Christianity.’
“Stunned, the interviewer interrupted the cleric. ‘Hold on! Let me clarify. Do we have six million converting from Islam to Christianity?’ Al Qataani repeated his assertion. ‘Every year,’ the cleric confirmed, adding, ‘a tragedy has happened.’
“One of the most dramatic developments is that many Muslims -- including Shiites in Iran and Iraq -- are seeing dreams and visions of Jesus and thus coming into churches explaining that they have already converted and now need a Bible and guidance on how to follow Jesus. This is the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy of Joel that ‘in the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days....And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’ (Joel 2:28-32).â€
Muslims Turn to Christ
By J. Grant Swank Jr. (01/03/07)
"Millions of Muslim converts to Christianity celebrated Christmas throughout the world, according to the reports of the various missionary organizations and news media" per SVM News.
One evangelistic agency alone, Salem Voice Ministries, reports that Muslims in India and many other Muslim nations have surrendered their souls to Christ. “There are about 500 evangelists ministering among Muslims in different African, Middle East and Asian countries. A vast number of Muslims finding the truth and attaining salvation of Jesus Christ day by day.
“’More Muslims converted to faith in Jesus Christ over the past decade than at any other time in human history. A spiritual revolution is underway throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. As a result, a record number of ex-Muslims are celebrating Christmas this year, despite intense persecution, assassinations, and widespread church bombings,’ stated Joel C. Rosenberg, the author of the New York Times best selling political thriller.â€
Secular media rarely reports such advances of Christianity, especially those thrusts into Islamic territories. However, there are evangelical efforts that know daily of such progress. Finally, God knows and that is ultimately what makes all the difference.
“Rosenberg said, he and his wife and kids were lived in the Mideast for three months. During that time, he had the privilege of interviewing more than three dozen Arab and Iranian pastors and evangelical leaders throughout the region. The picture they paint is one of Christianity being dramatically resurrected in the region of its birth.â€
When an individual turns from Islam to Christianity, the Koran stipulates that he be murdered. Many extremist Muslims take this seriously, thus the persecution leveled against untold Christians throughout the Middle East in particular.
Iraq, for instance, is becoming depopulated of Christians due to Islamic slaughter schemes. From time to time secular news reports this carnage. Other media regard persecution against Christians as just “another Christian story.†Nevertheless, the slaying of believers is daily and widespread and therefore should be broadcast worldwide regularly.
Countless Muslims are leaving the Koran’s Allah for Christ as Redeemer-God. They have turned from the Koran to the Bible. They have turned from the mosque to Christian sanctuary. They have turned from murder and maim to sharing kindness and Christ’s compassion.
“More than 10,000 Muslims accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior throughout India during the last year. The Bible Society of India publishing thousands of New Testaments for the Muslims with their own terminology and vocabulary in different Indian languages and Tazi language.
“Pastor Paul Ciniraj Mohamed, the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries, is one of the key persons of the Bible translators of the Bible Society of India to reach the Gospel to the Muslims. He is in the midst of persecution. Recently also he was threatened by the extremists to count down his days along with the whole family.
“In Iraq, more than 5,000 Muslim converts to Christianity have been identified since the end of major combat operations, with 14 new churches opened in Baghdad, and dozens of new churches opened in Kurdistan, some of which have 500 to 800 members. Also, more than one million Bibles shipped into the country since 2003, and pastors report Iraqis are snatching them up so fast they constantly need more Bibles.â€
No doubt much of the evangelism success with Muslims is due to intercessory prayer. Those believers in the free world have offered heaven their own petitions for divine truth to be revealed to Islamics. God has blessed those intercessions with practical, real-life conversions to Christ.
“Thousands of Muslims turned to Christ and worshipping Lord Jesus in Morocco, Somalia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Maldievs.
“Around a million believed in Jesus over the past decade in Egypt. The Egyptian Bible Society used to sell about 3,000 copies of the JESUS film a year in the early 1990s. But last year they sold 600,000 copies, plus 750,000 copies of the Bible on tape (in Arabic) and about a half million copies of the Arabic New Testament.
"’Egyptians are increasingly hungry for God's Word,’ an Egyptian Christian leader told. 'Last Christmas, I had the privilege of visiting the largest Christian congregation in the Middle East, which meets in an enormous cave on the outskirts of Cairo. Some 10,000 believers worship there every weekend. A prayer conference the church held in May 2005 drew some 20,000 believers', Rosenberg told.â€
With Iraq’s war revealing the demonic side of extremist Islamic adherents, another story is being written. It is that of the Holy Spirit working up and down neighborhood alleys and boulevards in convicting mortals of sin and despair. In that divine missionary work there are souls turning to the Light, the number eventually known only in the eternities.
“’There were only 17 Christians from Islam in Afghanistan on 2001. But there are more than 10,000 believers at present. Every week dozens of baptisms being held there.
“’In 1990, there were only three known Christians in Kazakhstan and no Christians in Uzbekistan, but now more than 15,000 in Kazakhstan and 30, 000 in Uzbekistan. There were only 500 Christians in Iran on 1979, but more than one million Iranians believing Jesus Christ today, most of whom meet in underground house churches.
“’In Sudan, more than one million have converted since 2000, and some 5 million have become Christians since the early 1990s, despite a radical Islamic regime and an on-going genocide that has killed more than 200,000. Seminaries are being held in caves to train pastors to shepherd the huge numbers of people coming to Christ. Why such a dramatic spiritual awakening?
"'People have seen real Islam, and they want Jesus instead,’ one Sudanese evangelical leader said.â€
These reports give increased courage to believers not to grow weary in well doing but to continue to intercede in prayer, live the holy life, and believe that the forever missionary, the Holy Spirit, is changing minds from darkness to light, from desperation to hope through Christ.
“In December 2001, Sheikh Ahmad al Qataani, a leading Saudi cleric, appeared on a live interview on Aljazeera satellite television to confirm that, sure enough, Muslims were turning to Jesus in alarming numbers. ‘In every hour, 667 Muslims convert to Christianity,’ Al Qataani warned. ‘Every day, 16,000 Muslims convert to Christianity. Every year, 6 million Muslims convert to Christianity.’
“Stunned, the interviewer interrupted the cleric. ‘Hold on! Let me clarify. Do we have six million converting from Islam to Christianity?’ Al Qataani repeated his assertion. ‘Every year,’ the cleric confirmed, adding, ‘a tragedy has happened.’
“One of the most dramatic developments is that many Muslims -- including Shiites in Iran and Iraq -- are seeing dreams and visions of Jesus and thus coming into churches explaining that they have already converted and now need a Bible and guidance on how to follow Jesus. This is the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy of Joel that ‘in the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days....And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’ (Joel 2:28-32).â€
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Power of Well-Lived Life
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15
In the years leading up to the fall of the Iron Curtain in Russia, I remember praying for Russian Christians who were being persecuted for their faith. The political situation in that land seemed grim, and quite honestly I wasn’t really expecting to see God answer our prayers for freedom in that land. But in 1989 the unthinkable happened—the curtain collapsed, ushering in a new era of freedom for the people who had been under the iron fist of that communist government. The world rejoiced at the news, and I was especially thrilled that our fellow believers in that land could now freely express their faith in Christ.
Soon after that happened, three leaders of the Russian church came to visit the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. As president of Moody at the time, I was privileged to give them a tour. While we walked, I asked them what events had led to the cessation of oppression and persecution against the church. They explained that their economy had been failing because alcoholism was rampant. People who didn’t believe in God had no purpose, and absenteeism from work—largely due to alcoholism—was wreaking havoc with the economy. They said that once when Gorbachev, who was then the Prime Minister, met with his cabinet, he asked, “Why is it that we persecute the Christians? They are the ones who are not alcoholics. They show up for work every day and give us a good day’s work. Why is it that we persecute people like this whom we desperately need?”
It’s a great example of the power of a life well-lived. When non-Christians in this “crooked and depraved generation” notice that we are different, it gives us an opportunity to make a difference for Christ. I wonder if the people where you work would agree with Gorbachev’s observation? Or would they say, “Those Christians—they are always the ones who are griping, murmuring, arriving late, and leaving early?” Even in environments where we may feel challenged or unappreciated, we are called to bear witness to the reality of God in our lives by being “pure and blameless.” It’s often true that the more difficult the environment, the more challenging it is to show the uniqueness of God’s character through our actions and attitudes. Yet it is in those dark times that the light of Jesus in us and through us can shine most brightly.
When we maintain the witness of a life well-lived even in the face of hardship, we have the power to make a difference in our home, workplace, and significant relationships.
In the years leading up to the fall of the Iron Curtain in Russia, I remember praying for Russian Christians who were being persecuted for their faith. The political situation in that land seemed grim, and quite honestly I wasn’t really expecting to see God answer our prayers for freedom in that land. But in 1989 the unthinkable happened—the curtain collapsed, ushering in a new era of freedom for the people who had been under the iron fist of that communist government. The world rejoiced at the news, and I was especially thrilled that our fellow believers in that land could now freely express their faith in Christ.
Soon after that happened, three leaders of the Russian church came to visit the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. As president of Moody at the time, I was privileged to give them a tour. While we walked, I asked them what events had led to the cessation of oppression and persecution against the church. They explained that their economy had been failing because alcoholism was rampant. People who didn’t believe in God had no purpose, and absenteeism from work—largely due to alcoholism—was wreaking havoc with the economy. They said that once when Gorbachev, who was then the Prime Minister, met with his cabinet, he asked, “Why is it that we persecute the Christians? They are the ones who are not alcoholics. They show up for work every day and give us a good day’s work. Why is it that we persecute people like this whom we desperately need?”
It’s a great example of the power of a life well-lived. When non-Christians in this “crooked and depraved generation” notice that we are different, it gives us an opportunity to make a difference for Christ. I wonder if the people where you work would agree with Gorbachev’s observation? Or would they say, “Those Christians—they are always the ones who are griping, murmuring, arriving late, and leaving early?” Even in environments where we may feel challenged or unappreciated, we are called to bear witness to the reality of God in our lives by being “pure and blameless.” It’s often true that the more difficult the environment, the more challenging it is to show the uniqueness of God’s character through our actions and attitudes. Yet it is in those dark times that the light of Jesus in us and through us can shine most brightly.
When we maintain the witness of a life well-lived even in the face of hardship, we have the power to make a difference in our home, workplace, and significant relationships.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
Hello everyone. If you are interested, we did live stream tonight's service. If you would like to watch it, you can go to our sermons page and click on "on demand" and click on the video at the top right. Keep in mind, we are still experimenting somewhat. We still need to increase the speed of the video, but thanks to Daniel Labrowski the audio sounds good. But we did have a few problems tonight with the recording. We will work out the kinks and get it better. Please be patient with us.
Great service this morning! Great crowd and we had several people pray the sinner's prayer this morning and God ministered healing to people also. We had another man receive Christ this morning...that's four men in one week. We are seeing more and more people come to the church in need of some kind of assistance. History shows that in tough economic times, people often turn to the church. We are beginning to see that happen. Please join with me in prayer and in action as we meet the needs of people. God has put us in a position and blessed us with the means to minister to needy people. May God anoint us as we do so in the love of Christ.
Tonight, Ann Corbett came by and spoke and we received an offering for her ministry in Brazil. Ann and her daughter, Amanda, are being used of God to equip missionaries to be sent abroad out of Brazil. Also, Adam Johnson shared pics and video regarding his trip to Israel in May. Adam did a wonderful job!
Everyone have a great week!!!
-Pastor
Great service this morning! Great crowd and we had several people pray the sinner's prayer this morning and God ministered healing to people also. We had another man receive Christ this morning...that's four men in one week. We are seeing more and more people come to the church in need of some kind of assistance. History shows that in tough economic times, people often turn to the church. We are beginning to see that happen. Please join with me in prayer and in action as we meet the needs of people. God has put us in a position and blessed us with the means to minister to needy people. May God anoint us as we do so in the love of Christ.
Tonight, Ann Corbett came by and spoke and we received an offering for her ministry in Brazil. Ann and her daughter, Amanda, are being used of God to equip missionaries to be sent abroad out of Brazil. Also, Adam Johnson shared pics and video regarding his trip to Israel in May. Adam did a wonderful job!
Everyone have a great week!!!
-Pastor
Friday, July 10, 2009
Please Pray With Us...Please Pray Now!
Please join us in prayer now for Brother Tim and Michelle Orr. They found out this week that their baby maybe born with some very serious physical problems that affect the brain. We know God can heal this child right now in the womb. Please pray for the baby, the biological mom and dad, and especially Tim and Michelle.
Lets agree in prayer together using the following words:
Father, we come before you boldly and confidently, knowing that You are not a man that You should lie and that You watch over Your Word to perform it. Therefore, Father, we bring before You those who are called handicapped and ill — mentally and physically. Father, by the authority of Your Word, we know without a doubt that it is Your will for these people — babies, children and adults — to be made completely whole and restored in the name of Jesus.
We know, Father, that Satan, the god of this world, comes against Your handiwork. We know that You are the God of miracles, the God of love, power and might. Through Your redemptive plan, what Jesus did on the cross and in the pit of hell for us, we, Your people, are redeemed from the curse of the law. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places far above all satanic forces.
So we bring these people before Your throne of grace who have been attacked mercilessly — mentally and physically — by Satan and his cohorts. We intercede in behalf of them and their families and loved ones.
Satan, we speak to you and to the principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and wicked spirits in heavenly places, and we bind you and loose them from your assignments against these people in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus. You can no longer harass or hinder these people who have the opportunity this day to make Jesus their Lord and Savior. We bind doubt, unbelief, fear, tradition, discouragement, depression and oppression from operating against the parents, children and individuals involved.
We speak healing to unborn infants in the wombs of mothers for Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Ps. 127:3).
We speak restoration to damaged brain cells and activation of dormant brain cells. We speak normal intellect for one’s age. We speak creative miracles to the parts of the body. We speak healing to all wounds. We speak words of life and say that they shall live in victory in this life and not die. We speak perfect soundness of mind and wholeness in body and spirit. We say that tongues are loosed and speech is distinct. We say ears hear and eyes see in the name of Jesus. We say demons are cast out, bowing to the name of Jesus. We speak deliverance to bodies and minds, for You, Lord God, are the Help of their countenance and the Lifter of those bowed down — the joy of the Lord is their strength and stronghold!
We commission God’s ministering spirits to go forth as they hearken to God’s Word to provide the necessary help for and assistance to those we are praying for!
Also, please remember in prayer Geneva Garrett who lost her sister, Nora, today. And pray for Delphalene Edwards too.
Thank you so much!
-Pastor
Lets agree in prayer together using the following words:
Father, we come before you boldly and confidently, knowing that You are not a man that You should lie and that You watch over Your Word to perform it. Therefore, Father, we bring before You those who are called handicapped and ill — mentally and physically. Father, by the authority of Your Word, we know without a doubt that it is Your will for these people — babies, children and adults — to be made completely whole and restored in the name of Jesus.
We know, Father, that Satan, the god of this world, comes against Your handiwork. We know that You are the God of miracles, the God of love, power and might. Through Your redemptive plan, what Jesus did on the cross and in the pit of hell for us, we, Your people, are redeemed from the curse of the law. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places far above all satanic forces.
So we bring these people before Your throne of grace who have been attacked mercilessly — mentally and physically — by Satan and his cohorts. We intercede in behalf of them and their families and loved ones.
Satan, we speak to you and to the principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and wicked spirits in heavenly places, and we bind you and loose them from your assignments against these people in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus. You can no longer harass or hinder these people who have the opportunity this day to make Jesus their Lord and Savior. We bind doubt, unbelief, fear, tradition, discouragement, depression and oppression from operating against the parents, children and individuals involved.
We speak healing to unborn infants in the wombs of mothers for Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Ps. 127:3).
We speak restoration to damaged brain cells and activation of dormant brain cells. We speak normal intellect for one’s age. We speak creative miracles to the parts of the body. We speak healing to all wounds. We speak words of life and say that they shall live in victory in this life and not die. We speak perfect soundness of mind and wholeness in body and spirit. We say that tongues are loosed and speech is distinct. We say ears hear and eyes see in the name of Jesus. We say demons are cast out, bowing to the name of Jesus. We speak deliverance to bodies and minds, for You, Lord God, are the Help of their countenance and the Lifter of those bowed down — the joy of the Lord is their strength and stronghold!
We commission God’s ministering spirits to go forth as they hearken to God’s Word to provide the necessary help for and assistance to those we are praying for!
Also, please remember in prayer Geneva Garrett who lost her sister, Nora, today. And pray for Delphalene Edwards too.
Thank you so much!
-Pastor
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Lets Keep Sharing Christ...
Just to continue on what I reported in yesterday's blog, last night Debbie Jett, Lori, and Dakota took kids out to share Christ and here's the results:
First Time Salvations: 5
2- Islamic boys- Ages (10, 8)
1- Male (22)
1-Male (16)
1-Girl (12)
Rededications: 4
1-Girl (12)
1-Boy (10)
2- Men (23, 29)
Debbie wrote, "To God be the GLORY!!" I concur.
I also got an e-mail from Tim Orr today. He and Michelle started a cell group in their home and had six last night which included a woman that he led to Christ a few weeks ago and she brought her two sons. Isn't that great? KP now has a cell group in Columbus, Indiana.
Tonight, I watched a little of the TZM revival in Chattanooga at Crossroads Church of God(formerly known as East Ridge Church of God). In two mornings, Tommie Zito said that nearly 500 people had been saved after two hours of witnessing. PTL!
On the evening news tonight, they did an in depth story on how the Swine Flu would be back for round two this fall and winter. They said that they expected many people to have to get vaccinated to protect them from the flu. They made it sound pretty scary for our country. I mention this only because we have very little time left to share the gospel with the lost. Either the rapture or death by way of the grave could be reality for many people soon. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. We must work while it is daylight. May our prayer be, "God let me burn in my heart so that others won't have to burn for eternity."
-Pastor Randy
First Time Salvations: 5
2- Islamic boys- Ages (10, 8)
1- Male (22)
1-Male (16)
1-Girl (12)
Rededications: 4
1-Girl (12)
1-Boy (10)
2- Men (23, 29)
Debbie wrote, "To God be the GLORY!!" I concur.
I also got an e-mail from Tim Orr today. He and Michelle started a cell group in their home and had six last night which included a woman that he led to Christ a few weeks ago and she brought her two sons. Isn't that great? KP now has a cell group in Columbus, Indiana.
Tonight, I watched a little of the TZM revival in Chattanooga at Crossroads Church of God(formerly known as East Ridge Church of God). In two mornings, Tommie Zito said that nearly 500 people had been saved after two hours of witnessing. PTL!
On the evening news tonight, they did an in depth story on how the Swine Flu would be back for round two this fall and winter. They said that they expected many people to have to get vaccinated to protect them from the flu. They made it sound pretty scary for our country. I mention this only because we have very little time left to share the gospel with the lost. Either the rapture or death by way of the grave could be reality for many people soon. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. We must work while it is daylight. May our prayer be, "God let me burn in my heart so that others won't have to burn for eternity."
-Pastor Randy
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Want to Hear Some Good News?
Wow, what a week so far. Let me lay some good news on you. Tonight, Justin a friend of Jon Rhoades came to Mike Amburgy's cell and he received Christ. PTL! Stan told me yesterday morning in my cell that his son, Tim, is doing well in his first week as a follower of Christ. Tim was one of Stan's prayer of three...one down and two to go. Shannon Richards e-mailed the church today and said that 13 out of 15 people at her work have received Christ in the last few weeks or rededicated their lives to Christ. Wow! If you have a testimony of someone coming to Christ, please e-mail or call us and let us know.
Tonight, after I left the church, I went over to watch Jonathan and Drew Brumfield play baseball. I am usually good for one or two games a year. Dave and Missy Anderson were there with there son Billy who played against Drew's team. Kings Point can be really proud of Dave and Missy. We didn't want them to leave, but God has used them greatly to bring encounters and cells to Stratford Heights. Its good to see people bear fruit wherever God plants them.
Today, I spent some time working on the 09-10 church budget. I was thrilled to see how God blessed our church financially this past year. This year's tithe income will be the fourth highest in the church's history and the highest since 2001. I'm not sure yet, but this year's overall income, maybe the highest ever with record-setting giving to Missions and to Benevolence ministries. And all of this in a year that saw our economy crash. Unbelievable! GOD IS FAITHFUL.
Have a great day!
-Pastor
Tonight, after I left the church, I went over to watch Jonathan and Drew Brumfield play baseball. I am usually good for one or two games a year. Dave and Missy Anderson were there with there son Billy who played against Drew's team. Kings Point can be really proud of Dave and Missy. We didn't want them to leave, but God has used them greatly to bring encounters and cells to Stratford Heights. Its good to see people bear fruit wherever God plants them.
Today, I spent some time working on the 09-10 church budget. I was thrilled to see how God blessed our church financially this past year. This year's tithe income will be the fourth highest in the church's history and the highest since 2001. I'm not sure yet, but this year's overall income, maybe the highest ever with record-setting giving to Missions and to Benevolence ministries. And all of this in a year that saw our economy crash. Unbelievable! GOD IS FAITHFUL.
Have a great day!
-Pastor
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
God's Word is His Medicine for the Afflicted
Hey everyone. I hope you had a great day. It was beautiful today. I hope you got to enjoy the outdoors some. Please remember our shutins and also those that take care of them. We have some wonderful KP members who can't come to church anymore, but they are still a key part of our KP family. Please pray for Nona Moore, Imogene Halcomb, Stella Short, Oda Moore, Delphalene Edwards, and I know there are a few others that I am failing to remember.
Also, continue to remember Peggy Schuler in your prayers as she battles what the doctors have said is bone cancer. We are believing with her for a false diagnosis or complete healing if the diagnosis is correct. Others to remember in prayer are Amy Brumfield and Karen Brumfield.
As I close, remember God's Word is His medicine for the sick. If you are afflicted in mind, body, or spirit, TAKE CONSTANT DOSES OF HIS WORD EVERYDAY. Remember, He sent His Word and healed them.
Jeremiah 33:6 "Behold, I will bring you health and cure, and I will cure you, and will reveal unto you the abundance of peace and truth."
-Pastor
Also, continue to remember Peggy Schuler in your prayers as she battles what the doctors have said is bone cancer. We are believing with her for a false diagnosis or complete healing if the diagnosis is correct. Others to remember in prayer are Amy Brumfield and Karen Brumfield.
As I close, remember God's Word is His medicine for the sick. If you are afflicted in mind, body, or spirit, TAKE CONSTANT DOSES OF HIS WORD EVERYDAY. Remember, He sent His Word and healed them.
Jeremiah 33:6 "Behold, I will bring you health and cure, and I will cure you, and will reveal unto you the abundance of peace and truth."
-Pastor
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
Did you enjoy worship today? We had two good services today at KP. Brian, the choir, and the children did a great job this morning in the tribute to our nation. Crystal Dayton was the behind the scenes person who help put it together. Thanks, Crystal! I enjoyed preaching this morning, even though I didn't get half way through my message. Tonight's service was super. A young man, Tim Stoddard, Stan and Gail's son, received Christ. We also had a wonderful prayer time for Peggy Schuler who has recently been diagnosed with bone cancer. Please stand with Peggy in prayer and fasting. We are believing God for a miracle.
Well, have a great week! Don't forget to attend your small group this week. Stay in God's Word, even throughout the summer months!
Love you all!
-Pastor
Well, have a great week! Don't forget to attend your small group this week. Stay in God's Word, even throughout the summer months!
Love you all!
-Pastor
Friday, July 3, 2009
Happy July 4th!!!
As we take the weekend to celebrate our freedom as a nation, lets not forget to remember in prayer those that are presently serving and have served our military. Let's also remember most of all our Savior, Jesus Christ, who through his death and resurrection made it possible for all mankind to truly be free from sin and death. Happy July 4th! -Pastor Randy
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Kingdom and the Church
By Robert Holmes, Australia
[Note: This is a good word. I have posted stuff from Robert Holmes in the past. He is solid. I wholeheartedly agree: we are to preach the kingdom and let God build His church.]
The instruction of Christ to us was to, "Proclaim the gospel of the kingdom until the end comes." (Matt. 24:14). That was the job He delegated to us, within the overall mission He had Himself - to seek and save the lost. Then He made it clear, "I will build my church." (Matt. 16:18). We preach Kingdom, He builds Church. It is pretty simple, yes?
One question which immediately comes to mind is, "Why do we spend so much of our time and effort "building church" when that is HIS job? And, "Why do we spend so little time preaching kingdom?" Why are there even "church growth" subjects at Bible college? Why do we do thesis work on "church building strategy" when that is NOT our work?
The Kingdom of God is an irrepressible force, an immovable object, an intrinsic dynamic on earth. The priorities of the Kingdom will generally bless you and build the Church. But it will not, if what you and I are doing, does not line up with HIS agenda. "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Luke 11:23).
Are we gathering, or scattering, with all our effort on "evangelism strategies" and church growth. OK I accept that our car-park needs to be adequate, and that our door people need to be friendly. I accept that we need inspiring sermons, leaders with integrity, heavenly worship and all that jazz. I also accept that this will generate growing "churches" as we presently conceive of them. But it is actually what Christ told us to do? Do any of these efforts amount to "preaching the kingdom"? I think not!
Refining coming
If our agenda, our ideas, our building program goes against what He is doing, we will definitely suffer loss. If we are building the Church, and not preaching the Kingdom. if we are doing the opposite of what we were told. If we have become keepers of fish tanks not fishers of men. then we will suffer loss in the days to come.
I think of the words of John the Baptist, introducing Christ as a refiner, with a winnowing fork in His hand, and a fire burning to devour the chaff. We have nothing to fear from this Christ, if we are wheat. We have everything to fear if we are chaff.
God has an agenda and He is working on His mission. Everything else will fall away. He will build His Church, and the good news is that He told us how He will do it! Christ lays Himself down as the cornerstone, and He uses master builders, apostles and prophets to lay the sure foundation (Eph. 2:20).
Apostolic restructure
As we speak of apostolic and prophetic restoration in the Church, we must understand that they will not re-order, or shuffle the deck chairs. Often the ministry of true apostles and prophets will result in deconstruction, and reconstruction. You will be blessed, to the extent that what you are doing what "gathers" and "is for" what He is doing. You are preaching the kingdom right? You will suffer loss to the extent that you are not.
Christ is ministering a new covenant, not an old one. He is in a new tabernacle, not an old one. He has a new priesthood not an old one. He is building kingdom culture not church culture. (I encourage every reader to go back and read Hebrews chapter 8).
The Kingdom will come into conflict with anything not of it's own kind. It is like a fire, burning, like a force, pushing, like violence. It may initially appear destructive if the environment is traditional, established, embedded, cultural.
The Jerusalem council confronted sect of the circumcision and prepared the restoration of the breaches of the tabernacle (Acts 15:16ff). John the Baptist confronted the established system of worship by declaring that Christ was coming with a winnowing fork in His hand. (Matt. 3:12).
By the way I am not here making way for stern or angry apostles, controlling leaders or crocked finger pointing prophets. Not at all. The fire is in Christ's hand, not ours! The winnowing fork is His, the process is His. We simply, very simply preach Christ! (1 Cor. 2:2).
Have a wonderful day!
-Pastor Randy
[Note: This is a good word. I have posted stuff from Robert Holmes in the past. He is solid. I wholeheartedly agree: we are to preach the kingdom and let God build His church.]
The instruction of Christ to us was to, "Proclaim the gospel of the kingdom until the end comes." (Matt. 24:14). That was the job He delegated to us, within the overall mission He had Himself - to seek and save the lost. Then He made it clear, "I will build my church." (Matt. 16:18). We preach Kingdom, He builds Church. It is pretty simple, yes?
One question which immediately comes to mind is, "Why do we spend so much of our time and effort "building church" when that is HIS job? And, "Why do we spend so little time preaching kingdom?" Why are there even "church growth" subjects at Bible college? Why do we do thesis work on "church building strategy" when that is NOT our work?
The Kingdom of God is an irrepressible force, an immovable object, an intrinsic dynamic on earth. The priorities of the Kingdom will generally bless you and build the Church. But it will not, if what you and I are doing, does not line up with HIS agenda. "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Luke 11:23).
Are we gathering, or scattering, with all our effort on "evangelism strategies" and church growth. OK I accept that our car-park needs to be adequate, and that our door people need to be friendly. I accept that we need inspiring sermons, leaders with integrity, heavenly worship and all that jazz. I also accept that this will generate growing "churches" as we presently conceive of them. But it is actually what Christ told us to do? Do any of these efforts amount to "preaching the kingdom"? I think not!
Refining coming
If our agenda, our ideas, our building program goes against what He is doing, we will definitely suffer loss. If we are building the Church, and not preaching the Kingdom. if we are doing the opposite of what we were told. If we have become keepers of fish tanks not fishers of men. then we will suffer loss in the days to come.
I think of the words of John the Baptist, introducing Christ as a refiner, with a winnowing fork in His hand, and a fire burning to devour the chaff. We have nothing to fear from this Christ, if we are wheat. We have everything to fear if we are chaff.
God has an agenda and He is working on His mission. Everything else will fall away. He will build His Church, and the good news is that He told us how He will do it! Christ lays Himself down as the cornerstone, and He uses master builders, apostles and prophets to lay the sure foundation (Eph. 2:20).
Apostolic restructure
As we speak of apostolic and prophetic restoration in the Church, we must understand that they will not re-order, or shuffle the deck chairs. Often the ministry of true apostles and prophets will result in deconstruction, and reconstruction. You will be blessed, to the extent that what you are doing what "gathers" and "is for" what He is doing. You are preaching the kingdom right? You will suffer loss to the extent that you are not.
Christ is ministering a new covenant, not an old one. He is in a new tabernacle, not an old one. He has a new priesthood not an old one. He is building kingdom culture not church culture. (I encourage every reader to go back and read Hebrews chapter 8).
The Kingdom will come into conflict with anything not of it's own kind. It is like a fire, burning, like a force, pushing, like violence. It may initially appear destructive if the environment is traditional, established, embedded, cultural.
The Jerusalem council confronted sect of the circumcision and prepared the restoration of the breaches of the tabernacle (Acts 15:16ff). John the Baptist confronted the established system of worship by declaring that Christ was coming with a winnowing fork in His hand. (Matt. 3:12).
By the way I am not here making way for stern or angry apostles, controlling leaders or crocked finger pointing prophets. Not at all. The fire is in Christ's hand, not ours! The winnowing fork is His, the process is His. We simply, very simply preach Christ! (1 Cor. 2:2).
Have a wonderful day!
-Pastor Randy
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Just Some Personal Thoughts Today...
Good morning! Just a few personal thoughts today:
~ Gabe is at soccer conditioning this morning. Little Miami soccer is getting ready for a high school tourney in Mason July 18-20. Of course, it seems like it always falls on Annette and I's anniversary. But this maybe it..the last year of watching Gabe play soccer since he was five years old. Its hard to believe. It goes by so quickly. Everyone told me that once they get in school, time would fly by. They were right, it has.
~ Little Miami parents are busy raising money every time you turn around for "pay to play." Then on top of that, the only factory in Maineville announces it will close in June. This area seems to be getting hit harder than any other community around Cincinnati surburbia. The Enquirer called "Little Miami School District" the poster child for school systems in crisis in southwestern Ohio. I talked with Dr. Bennett the other day. I told him I was praying for him as well as our church. He acted as if he really appreciated the prayers.
~ I appreciate so much KP's faithfulness in giving in June. Including missions and the giving to TZM, June 2009 may have been the greatest giving month ever at Kings Point. In spite of the above mentioning of our community's rough economy, the people at KP continue to tithe and give to missions and special ministries. Praise the Lord!
Well, everyone have a wonderful day.
-Pastor Randy
~ Gabe is at soccer conditioning this morning. Little Miami soccer is getting ready for a high school tourney in Mason July 18-20. Of course, it seems like it always falls on Annette and I's anniversary. But this maybe it..the last year of watching Gabe play soccer since he was five years old. Its hard to believe. It goes by so quickly. Everyone told me that once they get in school, time would fly by. They were right, it has.
~ Little Miami parents are busy raising money every time you turn around for "pay to play." Then on top of that, the only factory in Maineville announces it will close in June. This area seems to be getting hit harder than any other community around Cincinnati surburbia. The Enquirer called "Little Miami School District" the poster child for school systems in crisis in southwestern Ohio. I talked with Dr. Bennett the other day. I told him I was praying for him as well as our church. He acted as if he really appreciated the prayers.
~ I appreciate so much KP's faithfulness in giving in June. Including missions and the giving to TZM, June 2009 may have been the greatest giving month ever at Kings Point. In spite of the above mentioning of our community's rough economy, the people at KP continue to tithe and give to missions and special ministries. Praise the Lord!
Well, everyone have a wonderful day.
-Pastor Randy
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