Our Mission To love all people at all times and lead them into a new life in Christ.
Our Vision To be a church that will be multicultural and generational, having a lasting impact on the people to whom we minister.
To see the gospel extend beyond the walls of our church through various outreaches.
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Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Our communication is always influencing someone. It is not always easy to speak with grace. Many times we say things without even thinking what they might sound like to someone else or even if they will hurt someone’s feelings. Before words come out of our mouths we need to consider their source. “Will my words encourage someone, edify (built them up), or will my words tear them down or tear someone else down?” Jesus said we were the salt of the earth, and we would be “salting” or seasoning people around us by letting the gospel of Jesus shine in all of our actions. If our converation is “seasoned with salt” it will always be words that will build up and encourage others with the light of Jesus in them. The words I speak will not always reflect my emotions but will reflect the Word. Instead of speaking “your mind”, speak the Word to others and you will always speak grace to them.
A good place to start is with your family. There are more unkind words said to family members than anyone else. “Always with Grace” includes your spouse and children.
John 6:28 “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?”*
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DEAD WORKS
John 6:24-29
All through history, mankind has been seeking ways to do the works of God. Everyone has a knowledge within them of the reality of God (Rom. 1:18-20), and a desire to be right with Him. However, just as with these Jews, few agree with the Lord as to how to do it. These Jews were willing to do something to obtain salvation, but they were not willing to commit themselves to Jesus and accept His gift.
This is one of the major differnces between Chrisitanity and the religions of the world. Religion is willing to make sacrifices to obtain right standing with God, but Christianity recognizes our complete inability to ever do enough to save ourselves and calls for total faith and reliance on what Jesus did for us.
No one deserves salvation. It cannot be earned by what the Bible calls “dead works” (Heb. 6:1, 9:14). Dead works include all religious activities, good deeds, or charity that one may do as a measns of being justified before God.l
Faith toward God and what He has done through Christ Jesus is the only means of receiving HIs free gift of salvation. He only asks us to believe.
by Andrew Wommack
“…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matt. 16:18
Jesus proclaimed the beginning of the church to come after His resurrection and ascension. The “called out people,” which is what the Greek word for church really means, refers to the assembly of the believers joined together as one to represent Jesus on earth. The church is refered to as the “Body of Christ”, making it one with the Head. As the body of Christ, the enemy is under our feet. The kingdom of darkness cannot overcome the Kingdom of the Christ. No matter what takes place the “gates of hell” will not prevail against the Church. The rock upon which it is built cannot be moved. That rock is not Peter but rather the confession that Peter made when he said of Jesus, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.
The church was never intended to be an organization or an institution. It is to be a living organism infused with the power of a risen Christ. The presence of the Holy Spirit gives life and power to the body of believers to be Christ’s hands and feet here. How is being born again related to becoming a church member?
We make a distinction when we say “he was saved” and then “joined the church.” This is looked at as two separate events. However, a good comparison to this idea would be saying a child was “born” and then “joined” the human race in a separate event. Makes you think doesn’t it?
We do not join the church; we are “born again” into it. We become part of the body when we get saved. Membership in a particular location is a human institution that arose over the centuries. We need to belong to a local body of believers, but we are first a member of the body of Christ and were born into it. We didn’t join it. In light of this, we do not have the right to choose whether or not we become active in a local church body, we are “born again” to be active. We are to fulfill our membership by being a good “member” doing what we were created to do. Today’s message is “What is the purpose of the church?
BE CONTENT WITH WHO YOU ARE
2 Corinthians 10:12 “…but they measuring themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
It is so easy to allow feelings of inadequacy to stop you from doing what God has called you to do. When we first started pastoring nearly forty years ago, I would look at other wives of pastors and see all of their talents and abilities and feel like I really didn’t measure up. They could do so much more than I. They had more education, organizational skills, teaching ability or musical talent. I just didn’t measure up in comparison to them (in my way of thinking).
Sometimes we look at other people and think God made a mistake with us because we cannot do things like they do. What a boring world it would be if everyone did things the same way! The only measuring we need to do is compare ourselves to Word and make sure we are imitators of it. God made us the way we are. I need to develop the gifts God has given me and use them to honor him. We are not “wise” when we try to compete with other Christians on the way they do things. Our goal is to honor Christ and present the gospel through our lives and activities. It is okay if someone else has a certain talent or ability and I do not have it. I can appreciate what they can do without feeling inadequate with myself because I can not do it. Be content with how God made you.
Living In The Balance Of Grace And Faith
By Andrew Wommack
At our Gospel Truth Seminars, I always take time before meetings to talk with friends and partners. One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “What do I need to do to receive the blessings of God?” It is usually followed by this explanation: “I have been praying, reading my Bible, going to church, and paying my tithes, yet I don’t seem to be able to get my prayers answered.”
In that question and explanation lies the root of the problem: They have fallen into the trap of linking God’s response to their performance. They have not properly understood the balance of grace and faith and their relationship to each other.
By definition, the word grace means unmerited, unearned, undeserved favor. Therefore, the good news is, grace has nothing to do with you. Grace existed before you ever came to be. Another way of saying it is, grace is God’s part. Faith is defined as being a positive response to what God has already provided by grace. In other words, faith is your positive response to God’s grace, or faith only appropriates what God has already provided for you. Therefore, faith is your part.
I Timothy 2:1-6 “Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men;
for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.
Who gave Himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time. ”
2011 VIRTUOUS WOMAN
Fellowship and Motivational Conference
“Equipping of the saints…”
*to encourage spiritual growth, personal development, and leadershp among women; and
*to challenge women to identify taheir role in the church ministries.
We are grateful to God for the many victories He has brought about as a result of the work of this ministry. As we continue to seek God with all our heart, soul, and mind, our sincere prayer is for His will to be accomplished through this ministry. Please come and join us!!
SEPT. 17-9:00-12:30
FOCUS: “For pastors who see the church as a place for people to come and get their needs met, the church spends all the time and energy to do everything that makes the people and their children happy. For pastors who see the church as a people with a mission, they take the time to train and
Numbers 13:30-31 “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, ‘Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.’ But the men that went up with him said,’We be
not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.'”
Two men said, “We are well able.” Ten men said, “We are not able.” God had said, “Go, and possess the land.” When God says, “Go” He guarantees the victory. Where are you today? Are you believing, “We are well able”? Or are you part of the group that says, “We are not
able!” What you believe will determine your destiny. Caleb and Joshua went on to possess the Promised Land. The other ten died in the wilderness because of their unbelief.
“Now to Him who is able to do
exceedingly above and beyond that which we ask, to Him be glory and power now and
forever, Amen.” Eph. 3:20
What are the limits of what God can do for you? Who
sets the boundaries for your blessings? It is all to often that we cheat
ourselves by setting the limits of how much God can do for us. How deep must
the water be to stop God? How hot does the fire need to be before God cannot
quench it? Are you starting to catch what I am saying? Should you go by how
much you think God can do or by how much God says He can do?
Your faith should never be in how much faith you have
in your faith. It should always be in how much God can do for you. He says He
is able to do more than you “think” or “ask.” If this is true, why limit Him to
what you think is possible? Just believe what God has to say and leave it at
that. It is not your faith that makes it happen. It is God that does it. It
is just your duty to “HAVE FAITH IN GOD!”(MARK
11:22)
The Kingdom of God is NOT in RECESSION Are you Fearful or Faithful
By Dr. Jan Harbuck, AEGA Vice President
Being on the front lines here at AEGA, I have seen many ministers, churches and ministries through the years struggle with being faithful — especially in the area of giving. Most of the time they get very discouraged because God is not blessing them, not just financially, but in the growth of their ministry. In talking with them I receive many excuses why they cannot be faithful with the giving commitment they made when they received their credentials. Such excuses range from, “I have too many bills to pay,” “I need the money to send my child to college,” “I can’t remember to send it,” or, “the people in my church or ministry won’t support me,”… etc, etc, etc.” In hearing these excuses my question is, How can God bless you and cause people to support your vision if you are unwilling to keep your promises and commitments? In my early years, I struggled with faithfulness too. Then God helped me to realize that faithfulness in every area, especially giving (which included giving beyond what is “required”), was a key principle to a having a successful ministry, and in becoming a true leader and an overcomer.
Those of you who truly understand the heart of AEGA know we are not (and never have been) about “money,” but about “faithfulness.” And if you know your Bible, it speaks of the same. Now with the US economy on the downward spiral, fear is trying to grip the hearts of Christians (both ministers and laymen), and many are withholding giving to the work of God. But is this pleasing to God? Are we only to be faithful in the good times? Do we only give when the economy is healthy?
God doesn’t need a healthy, normal womb for a woman to conceive and bear a child. In Judges 13:2-3 (conception and birth of Samson) the scripture says, “And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.” Not convinced? (continued)
In Psalm 113.9 the scripture says “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.” And in Luke 1:5-37 the scripture tells us that Elizabeth was barren and well advanced in years, but God brought forth a child out of a barren womb. So what is my point? God doesn’t need a healthy economy to supply our needs! At this time in history our country seems to be slipping away from us, and the future is very uncertain. But we must remember that most of the time God provides “just enough” at “just the right time”. So what must we do? We must not fear … but remain faithful in all areas of our Christian life. And yes, that most assuredly includes our giving, as well as keeping our commitments to whomever! This is called integrity, and it reflects Christian character.
God can make the bitter water sweet … He can bring water out of the rock … God wants daily trust in Him, not trust in our economy. Remember the Lord’s Prayer … “Give us this day our daily bread” (not weekly, monthly or yearly). I’m not saying we should not plan for the future, but we must trust God with the future! In fact, it is unwise not to invest for the future. However, when times get tough is not the time to withhold our faithful giving to the work of God.
God can supply our needs even in a bad economy, just as easily as He can in a prosperous one. Since the “great depression” we Americans have lived a relatively prosperous and comfortable lifestyle. Unlike many countries in which my husband and I have traveled, the U.S. (regardless of our many faults) has enjoyed the blessings of God — many of which are due to our Godly principles and unselfish giving to those in need. That’s why all foreign people desire to come to this great land of the FREE. Many say that in the future Social Security may not exist, but God’s security is inexhaustible and limitless!
So don’t fear, but BE FAITHFUL … God still specializes in miracles which are not dependent on our economy.
BIRTHDAYS
2 Helen Kenefake
3 Tony Mitchum
5 Linae Rice
Heather Grant
7 Doris Montgomery
Jayden Grimes
10 Jon Morton
12 Bethany Harvey
13 Angela Antone
16 Sky Sapp
19 Gayle Dowell
Racheal Achieng
26 Darlene Campbell
Breanna Antone
ANNIVERSARY
4 Lyle & Marilyn Heitz
18 Cole and Sherry Lawson
22 Tommy & Jenny Bailey
Colossians 2:2 “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love; so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ”
How do you stay connected to people in the church? It is very easy to come to service every Sunday, worship God, get blessed by the teaching of the Word by Pastor, and then go home not really connected to anyone in the church. According to this verse we are to be “encouraged in heart and united in love.”
In order to encourage each other there must be some communication and fellowship. The Message Bible says, “we are to be woven into a tapestry.” That is really being connected when we allow ourselves to be knitted with other people into a tapestry.
We have times at church where we have meals or other activities in order to unite the church in fellowship. Other ways of being connected to the body of New Life is praying for one another. We have a directory available if there are people you do not know. You can put a face to a prayer request or send a card for a birthday or anniversary. Even sending an e-mail or message on facebook helps keep you connected to the people at New Life as we “encourage one another.”
You can start by coming to the baptismal service at the Adamsons tonight. Encouage those who are being baptised. Get to know the person you sit next to in church.
We are considering the subject of the Great Commission and how we are to fulfill it in the world. We must truly understand what is involved in communicating the Gospel to the world. In order to “Go” successful we must understand why we were invited to “Come.” Were we invited because we possessed some great ability or quality? What did God see when He looked at us? Was it love at first sight or love in spite? In spite of what He saw He loved us. Why? Because He chose to. He made no qualifications when He said “Come.” Whosoever will, let him come. “ He who comes to Me, I will in no wise cast out.”
It is not our job to change the world, it is our job to offer people a way to change their lives. The world system will never change until Jesus comes again. We need to expend our efforts changing the hearts of people and not trying to control their behavior. God in Jesus was reconciling the world(people) unto Himself. It was unconditional and universal. No one was left out. It is not to tell people how “bad” they are but that “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ” The Great Commission is that Jesus payed the price for their redemption. When we realize the meaning of “come”, we understand the importance of “go”.
Psalm 100:1-2 (Message Bible)
“ On your feet now–applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.”
When was the last time you laughed in church? Wait-when was the last time you even laughed or had fun? Being a Christian does not suddenly make you somber, sad, gloomy, and no fun to be around. There is a time to be serious, to worship, to praise. There is also a time to laugh, have fun, and enjoy being with other Christians or your family.
Pastor Jerry is one person who enjoys having fun, sharing jokes, or just playing and laughing. One time we were on our way to minister in Lexington with Bill Smith and another couple. In the car we joked, teased, told stories, and had fun. When we got to the meeting, Jerry got up to minister. He was very serious and intent in his teaching. This couple could not believe how he could go from laughing to the next minute teaching the Word. Jerry told them, “I’m serious all the time. When I am having fun, I am serious about having fun.”
I know that I need to laugh more. The Word says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Maybe there would be less sickness among Christians if they would get serious about having some fun and laughter in their lives.
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.” Rev. 22:17
We are familiar with “The Great Commission” but do not think much about “The Great Invitation.” The main word in the Great Invitation is “Come.” When we receive an inviation, it means that an offer has been made and we must decide how we will respond to the offer. Invitations usually have certain conditions attached. There can be a cost, time restriction, expiration date, or other conditions required to qualify you for the offer. With the Great Invitation there is no condition other than come. It is a standing invitation. Whenever we decide to take the offer, we are immediately welcomed.
There is nothing to be done on our part but respond to the invitation given. There is no self preparation necessary. We do not need to change a thing. The words of the most notable invitational hymn tell the story. “Just as I am without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidest me come to thee, oh, Lamb of God I come. I come.”
It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions.
After awhile, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth.
Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the heart that came from the others. This way they were able to survive.
The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person’s good qualities.
The moral of the story is: Just learn to live with the Pricks in your life!!
I Cor. 12:24-27 (Mess.) “The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. You are Christ’s body–that’s who you are!! You must never forget this.”
“Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon those who heard these things.” Acts 5:5
We have here one of the most intriguing stories in the New Testament. This is a story of the death of a believer for lying to the Holy Spirit. It appeared that he had lied to Peter, but Peter said it was God to whom he had lied. As a result of this lie Ananias fell down dead. My question is this. Who killed Ananias and later his wife, Sapphira? The issue in this story is not about the amount of money involved or even giving it to God. It is about presenting something to God and telling Him this is all I have when I know there is more I am not giving. There is much grace in God’s compassion or there would be many more deaths in the church for lying to God. “I don’t have time.” “That’s all I can do.” “I can’t do all things through Christ Jesus.” “I can’t afford to give more.” If I know that I am not giving my all, but tell God I am doing the best I can is that not lying to the Holy Spirit. Don’t promise God something and then not do it. Be careful about making vows and not keeping them. Are we immune to what happened to Ananias and Sapphira? Again I ask the question, who killed Ananias? Did God kill him? Was it the devil? Or, did he commit suicide?
Today’s sermon, “Who killed Ananias?”
GOD,
I AM
NOT
HAPPY!
(Details in today’s sermon)
Here I sit in Taylor County Hospital in my 5th day of residence. Things are progressing but slowly, it seems to me. I am writing about this from a “reality” point of view. The subject is faith vs. experience and how to relate the two.
Let me be perfectly clear, the truth of God’s Word does not change, regardless of my circumstances. God is not responsible for me being in this situation. He is not testing or “tempting” me. Yes, I am being tested and there is no doubt about that. If it isn’t God, then what is testing me?
There are two possible sources of the tests. Of course, one source is Satan and the demonic. By this I mean the Job type situation. This is a calculated attack on a particular individual for a specific purpose. Mostly it is to interrupt a move of God. I feel that there have been numerous of these assaults on me over the years. I have survived by the grace of God. Sometimes it has been because of my cooperation and sometimes in spite of my lack of the same.
The other source of tests is life itself. In this world you will have tribulation. Because we are a part of life on this planet we experience “life’s setbacks”. We have been redeemed from this and are moving toward a total victory. My personal choices will determine my performance in the “life race.”
I will not quit, I will not compromise the Word, and I will not blame God for my plight. Any failure is always my fault and all success and victory is Christ’s. I will overcome , I will win, and I will receive the Crown of Life. Here I sit in Taylor County Hospital in my 5th day of residence. Things are progressing but slowly, it seems to me. I am writing about this from a “reality” point of view. The subject is faith vs. experience and how to relate the two.
Let me be perfectly clear, the truth of God’s Word does not change, regardless of my circumstances. God is not responsible for me being in this situation. He is not testing or “tempting” me. Yes, I am being tested and there is no doubt about that. If it isn’t God, then what is testing me?
There are two possible sources of the tests. Of course, one source is Satan and the demonic. By this I mean the Job type situation. This is a calculated attack on a particular individual for a specific purpose. Mostly it is to interrupt a move of God. I feel that there have been numerous of these assaults on me over the years. I have survived by the grace of God. Sometimes it has been because of my cooperation and sometimes in spite of my lack of the same.
The other source of tests is life itself. In this world you will have tribulation. Because we are a part of life on this planet we experience “life’s setbacks”. We have been redeemed from this and are moving toward a total victory. My personal choices will determine my performance in the “life race.”
I will not quit, I will not compromise the Word, and I will not blame God for my plight. Any failure is always my fault and all success and victory is Christ’s. I will overcome , I will win, and I will receive the Crown of Life.
I Corinthians 13:4-8, 14:1(Amplified)
Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not display itself haughtily. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking: it takes no account of the evil done to it (it pays no attention to a suffered wrong).
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything (without weakening).
Love never fails (never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end). As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away (it will lose its value and be superceded by truth).
I Corinthians 14:1 says to eagerly pursue and seek to acquire (this) love (make it your aim, your great quest…It is not easy to “pay no attention to a suffered wrong.” The wrong may be real, but the love we need to have overlooks and forgives any offense. Then we must “believe the best of every person.” Even the one who just “wronged” us.
On a scale of 1-10 how did you do today?
As I was sitting there in your church thinking about “40 years” of ministry , the Lord kept saying. “That is a generation.” Then I heard Him say to you…
“Because you have stood faithful for 40 years , there is great reward laid up for you, not only in Heaven , but here and now. This is a great and fruitful hour in which you live. Many generations will benefit from your faithfulness, and even now many generations have received life changing benefits because of your labor in the word and your labor of love.
You do not know the great joy and the abundant life you have made possible for SO MANY PEOPLE and the generations after them because you stood form on your faith when everything around you said “Quit”.
Gerald, your faithfulness as a son, father, husband and friend is a rare jewel in the earth today. And LaVerne, the same, you are a “Mother of Israel” , and a mother to New Life for the Nations. You are a Virtuous Woman who stands out among women. You are highly favored.
“This Day” marks a fresh, new anointing, and a new “wave” of My Spirit”, says the Lord.
Given to me June 11, 2011
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