While Jesus was standing on the highest point of the temple, Satan whispered, "Do it - Jump! If you are truly the Son of God, he will save you.
"And I said, If thou be the Son of God, throw yourself down, it is written, shall give his angels charge over you, and you hold in your hands lest you dash your foot against a stone" (Matthew 4:6).
Do you see the subtlety of Satan bent on this? The isolated a promise of Scripture - and tempted Jesus to throw his life on this. He was suggesting, "You say that God is with you. Well, show me the proof. Your Father has already allowed to bother you. Where is their presence in that? You can prove that he is with you if you rush down. If God is with you, he will provide you not hurt when he fell. Then you base your confidence in that. If not, then it is better to die, instead of wondering if you live alone. You need a miracle to prove that the Father is with you. "
How did Jesus respond? He stated, "It is written: 'Do not tempt the Lord thy God'" (Matthew 4:7). What exactly did Jesus mean here referring to "tempt God?"
Ancient Israel is an example. Ten times the Lord had proven his loyalty to the Israelites. The people of God was visible proof that their Lord was with them. Yet, increasingly, the people wondered the same thing: "Is God among us or not?" God calls this "tempting him." Jesus uses the same phrase - "tempting God" - in his response to Satan. What does this tell us? Shows that it is a grave sin to doubt God's presence, we must not question whether he is with us.
As with Israel, God has given us an entire body of evidence. First, we have many promises in his word of his presence with us. Second, we have our personal history with God - a testimony to the many times he has rescued us. Third, we have a Bible full of witnesses to the presence of God for centuries.
The Bible is clear: Our walk with God is by faith and not by sight. Otherwise, you end up like Israel without faith.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday Wrap Up
Well, it was a short Sunday for us at KP. We only had the one service. But it was a good one. Not all worship services are going to be the same. Why? Because people's needs are not always the same from service to service. When Jesus walked the earth and ministered to people his meetings were about the responses to the needs of the people. Sometimes he healed people. Sometimes he shared the word. Sometimes he casts out devils. Sometimes he rebuked the disciples and other times the Pharisees. Sometimes he prayed.
As I preached this morning, the church desperately needs intercessors like Rizpah. Intercessors that won't back down or give up in prayer, fasting, and battling the enemy. Intercessors who won't let the enemy take down the souls of our youth. The world no doubt thought Rizpah was crazy. But she got the attention of the king and you will too when you aggressively persevere in prayer and fasting. A lot of Christians today talk and read about spiritual warfare but don't have any idea in how to do battle against the enemy. Rizpah is a great example of what it takes to be a overcomer. Her steel determination and untiring perseverance is what is needed today in the church of Jesus Christ.
Have a wonderful week!
-Pastor
As I preached this morning, the church desperately needs intercessors like Rizpah. Intercessors that won't back down or give up in prayer, fasting, and battling the enemy. Intercessors who won't let the enemy take down the souls of our youth. The world no doubt thought Rizpah was crazy. But she got the attention of the king and you will too when you aggressively persevere in prayer and fasting. A lot of Christians today talk and read about spiritual warfare but don't have any idea in how to do battle against the enemy. Rizpah is a great example of what it takes to be a overcomer. Her steel determination and untiring perseverance is what is needed today in the church of Jesus Christ.
Have a wonderful week!
-Pastor
Friday, May 7, 2010
Greece...a glimpse of the future for the U.S.?
Good morning! With the crazy up and down stock market and the economic chaos that is beginning to take place around the world, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the world is uncharted waters. I heard a economic expert who has been called Dr. Doom predict recently that by the end of 2010 the U.S. could begin to experience what Greece is now experiencing. He said the Greece problem is minimal compared to what the U.S. economic collapse may look like. Greece's indebtedness is only ten per cent of their GNP (Gross National Product). Have you seen recently what percentage of our debt (how much the government owes) makes up our GNP (is the market value of all of the products and services that a country produces in one year)? Try 61.8 per cent and growing. Of course, it could be much worse. Japan's is 170 per cent and Italy's is 103 per cent. So in other words, the potential for a global economic collapse is certainly a reality when you consider that practically all of the countries in the world are in debt up to their noses and higher. Have you ever wondered what's going to happen in the world with all of this debt? The bible tells us. That's right, once again the bible has the answers. Revelation 6 tells us where all this is headed and then the book of Revelation goes on and tells a lot more stuff that you may not want to read.
Here's just a short sampling of Revelation 6.
3 When the Lamb broke the second seal, I heard the second living being say, "Come!" 4 Then another horse appeared, a red one. Its rider was given a mighty sword and the authority to take peace from the earth. And there was war and slaughter everywhere.5 When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, "Come!" I looked up and saw a black horse, and its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, "A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day's pay. And don't waste the olive oil and wine."7 When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living being say, "Come!" 8 I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals. [New Living Translation]
You say, I would rather not believe that. Yeah me too, but its God's Word. The bible has an unbelievable track record. It will happen. Its beginning to happen. But I have great news for you...there is hope. Jesus Christ went to the cross and died for your sins and was resurrected on the third day. The bible says that one day Jesus is coming back again in Acts 1:9-11" After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"
Why is he coming back? The bible tells us to "catch up" or rapture, or even rescue His people (those that have received Him as Savior and Lord)from these terrible things that are coming upon the earth in the book of Revelation.
The question is are your ready for Jesus' return to rapture up His people? I pray that you are. You can be ready by just praying the following prayer. Pray it today. Ask Christ to save you today. Believe me, believe God's Word, things are going to get a lot worse. Mr Obama does not have the answers. No one does. Turn to Christ today. He is the answer.
Dear Jesus, the bible says your word is near me, even in my mouth and in my heart, the word for my salvation by faith. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised you from the dead and that you are alive. So with my heart I believe and with my mouth I confess that I am sinner and I ask that you forgive me and save me. Your word says that "whoever believes in You Jesus will not be disappointed." Thank you Jesus for saving me today. Thank you Jesus for coming one day and taking me with you to heaven and giving me eternal life." [words taken from Romans 10:8-12].
If you prayed this prayer, please join us at church this Sunday at Kings Point. Please come and let me know that you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. God bless you and welcome to the kingdom of God!
-Pastor Randy
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Despite Controversies, National Day of Prayer Proceeds
FOXNews.com
As observers celebrate the National Day of Prayer Thursday, a recent court ruling and Army decision to revoke an invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham has shrouded in controversy a day meant for reflection and prayer.
As observers celebrate the National Day of Prayer Thursday, a recent court ruling and Army decision to revoke an invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham has shrouded in controversy a day meant for reflection and prayer.
Graham, honorary chairman of the 2010 National Day of Prayer Task Force, said he is going to stand outside the Pentagon anyway on Thursday, despite the decision to rescind his invitation to participate amid complaints about his describing Islam as an evil religion..
"I don't have to be invited to a prayer service to pray for the men and women who serve this nation, who I'm so proud (of)," he told Fox News on Wednesday night. "I want them to know that I support them."
Religious leaders and government officials are holding events Thursday to mark the 59th observance of the day, including capping off a marathon Bible reading in Washington, D.C., that began Wednesday.
The event, created in 1952 and signed into law by President Harry Truman, was amended in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to state that the day would be observed on the first Thursday in May. Organizers cite the day of prayer's origins to 1775 when the Continental Congress encouraged the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation.
President Obama issued a proclamation last Friday as his Justice Department appeals a federal judge's ruling last month that the day of prayer is unconstitutional.
"Prayer has been a sustaining way for many Americans of diverse faiths to express their most cherished beliefs, and thus we have long deemed it fitting and proper to publicly recognize the importance of prayer on this day across the Nation," Obama said in the proclamation.
The lawsuit challenging the day of prayer was brought by the Freedom From Religious Foundation, a Madison, Wis.-based group of atheists and agnostics. Protests were expected there and in Washington.
The lawsuit was originally filed against President George W. Bush's administration near the end of his second term. The foundation argued the day violates the separation of church and state.
Some religious groups agree with the foundation's claim. K. Hollyn Hollman, general counsel of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, said every day should be a day of prayer, but the official designation and the president's proclamation are "misguided and unnecessary."
"A day of prayer is more appropriately called for by our religious leaders - not civil magistrates, Congress or even the president," Hollman said in a statement issued Wednesday. "There is nothing wrong with the American people getting together to pray on a designated day, even public officials. ... The problem with the National Day of Prayer is that it is an official act of the government urging citizens to engage in a religious exercise."
Expecting her ruling to be challenged, U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb said in her decision last month that the National Day of Prayer can continue until the legal process is exhausted.
Graham said he is grateful that the Justice Department is appealing the ruling. He added that he has twice been to the Pentagon since Sept. 11, 2001, and preaches to military chaplains.
"It's just unfortunate that this decision was made by the Pentagon. The Muslims have their holidays that they celebrate at the Pentagon. They celebrated Ramadan. They have prayer services there. But for us Christians to have prayer services, and for them to object and for the Army to give in to their objections is something that I just don't understand," Graham said, adding that he and Muslims will never agree on the path to God.
The Army's decision to withdraw its invitation is still catching flak. Thirty-six members of the House sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates urging him to reconsider the military's decision.
"To rescind Franklin Graham's invitation for these overtly political reasons is a disgrace that is obviously being done to placate a few outspoken critics, and an affront to those ideals that are the essence of America and that are reflected throughout America's history," said Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz.
"Not everyone will agree with all that Rev. Graham has to say," Rep. Mike Pence, chairman of the House Republican Conference, said. "But we can agree that our Constitution protects his right to say what he believes."
As observers celebrate the National Day of Prayer Thursday, a recent court ruling and Army decision to revoke an invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham has shrouded in controversy a day meant for reflection and prayer.
As observers celebrate the National Day of Prayer Thursday, a recent court ruling and Army decision to revoke an invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham has shrouded in controversy a day meant for reflection and prayer.
Graham, honorary chairman of the 2010 National Day of Prayer Task Force, said he is going to stand outside the Pentagon anyway on Thursday, despite the decision to rescind his invitation to participate amid complaints about his describing Islam as an evil religion..
"I don't have to be invited to a prayer service to pray for the men and women who serve this nation, who I'm so proud (of)," he told Fox News on Wednesday night. "I want them to know that I support them."
Religious leaders and government officials are holding events Thursday to mark the 59th observance of the day, including capping off a marathon Bible reading in Washington, D.C., that began Wednesday.
The event, created in 1952 and signed into law by President Harry Truman, was amended in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to state that the day would be observed on the first Thursday in May. Organizers cite the day of prayer's origins to 1775 when the Continental Congress encouraged the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation.
President Obama issued a proclamation last Friday as his Justice Department appeals a federal judge's ruling last month that the day of prayer is unconstitutional.
"Prayer has been a sustaining way for many Americans of diverse faiths to express their most cherished beliefs, and thus we have long deemed it fitting and proper to publicly recognize the importance of prayer on this day across the Nation," Obama said in the proclamation.
The lawsuit challenging the day of prayer was brought by the Freedom From Religious Foundation, a Madison, Wis.-based group of atheists and agnostics. Protests were expected there and in Washington.
The lawsuit was originally filed against President George W. Bush's administration near the end of his second term. The foundation argued the day violates the separation of church and state.
Some religious groups agree with the foundation's claim. K. Hollyn Hollman, general counsel of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, said every day should be a day of prayer, but the official designation and the president's proclamation are "misguided and unnecessary."
"A day of prayer is more appropriately called for by our religious leaders - not civil magistrates, Congress or even the president," Hollman said in a statement issued Wednesday. "There is nothing wrong with the American people getting together to pray on a designated day, even public officials. ... The problem with the National Day of Prayer is that it is an official act of the government urging citizens to engage in a religious exercise."
Expecting her ruling to be challenged, U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb said in her decision last month that the National Day of Prayer can continue until the legal process is exhausted.
Graham said he is grateful that the Justice Department is appealing the ruling. He added that he has twice been to the Pentagon since Sept. 11, 2001, and preaches to military chaplains.
"It's just unfortunate that this decision was made by the Pentagon. The Muslims have their holidays that they celebrate at the Pentagon. They celebrated Ramadan. They have prayer services there. But for us Christians to have prayer services, and for them to object and for the Army to give in to their objections is something that I just don't understand," Graham said, adding that he and Muslims will never agree on the path to God.
The Army's decision to withdraw its invitation is still catching flak. Thirty-six members of the House sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates urging him to reconsider the military's decision.
"To rescind Franklin Graham's invitation for these overtly political reasons is a disgrace that is obviously being done to placate a few outspoken critics, and an affront to those ideals that are the essence of America and that are reflected throughout America's history," said Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz.
"Not everyone will agree with all that Rev. Graham has to say," Rep. Mike Pence, chairman of the House Republican Conference, said. "But we can agree that our Constitution protects his right to say what he believes."
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Revival Services End, But Revival Goes On!
Super revival services! Thanks everyone that came out faithfully to the services. With work schedules and kids in school, I know its an effort. But the crowds and offerings were pretty good. Like always, Jimmy Russell, did an excellent job of preaching and ministering. Brother Jimmy is a godly man who God uses to be a blessing to His people. I really appreciate you receiving his ministry.
The revival ended last night with water baptisms and testimonies. We had several testimonies of healing and anwered prayers. Also, God did an awesome job through in our youth who occupied the front pews of the revival every service. Great job kids!
Please remember the Brumfield family today. I'll be headed to the funeral services in Marion. Also, please continue to remember Mike Kilburn's mother in your prayers as well as the Hacker family and Paulette.
Have a great Wednesday everyone!
-Pastor
The revival ended last night with water baptisms and testimonies. We had several testimonies of healing and anwered prayers. Also, God did an awesome job through in our youth who occupied the front pews of the revival every service. Great job kids!
Please remember the Brumfield family today. I'll be headed to the funeral services in Marion. Also, please continue to remember Mike Kilburn's mother in your prayers as well as the Hacker family and Paulette.
Have a great Wednesday everyone!
-Pastor
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday Revival Report
Another great service tonight. Wow, is it ever fun watching people get blessed. I feel sorry for Christians who attend churches where they don't see that happen. And even blesses you when you see others be blessed. Its a blessing to see people experience the joy of the Lord. To watch brothers and sisters receive victory in their lives.
Tomorrow night is our final night. I know its election day tomorrow and some will be working the polls. But please come out and join us. We will be concluding the revival series with a water baptism. Come prepared for an outpouring!
-Pastor
Tomorrow night is our final night. I know its election day tomorrow and some will be working the polls. But please come out and join us. We will be concluding the revival series with a water baptism. Come prepared for an outpouring!
-Pastor
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Sunday Wrap Up
Greetings Everyone! Since I didn't do the Sunday Wrap Up last week. Let me thank Ron Thomas and Mike Amburgy for ministering last Sunday. Both did an excellent job. From what I understand one service were different from the other. But people were saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, healed, and blessed in each.
The revival continued on today as God moved mightily in both services. Again, anointed messages from our Evangelist, Jimmy Russell, and powerful altar services. It was great seeing our youth so involved in both services today. Please join us tomorrow night. Bring someone with you. Ask people to come who need and want a touch from God. I know that God will meet with us tonight and great things He will do in our midst. See you Monday night at 7 pm.
-Pastor
The revival continued on today as God moved mightily in both services. Again, anointed messages from our Evangelist, Jimmy Russell, and powerful altar services. It was great seeing our youth so involved in both services today. Please join us tomorrow night. Bring someone with you. Ask people to come who need and want a touch from God. I know that God will meet with us tonight and great things He will do in our midst. See you Monday night at 7 pm.
-Pastor
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